Celebrating the nature-friendly Operation

Disna MUDALIGE

May 19, 2009 was a day that the biggest dream in every patriot contemporary Sri Lankan became a reality. It was a day that we were all jubilant to see the end of terror which gripped the entire nation for more than three decades.

In fact for the Sri Lankan youth, even including me, it marked a bright beginning filled with new rays of hope for a better tomorrow, and was a much awaited moment where we first experienced the real sense of "PEACE" since we saw the light of day. For elderly and senior citizens of the country, it was an inexpressible relief where they felt that everybody, especially their children, is safe once again within this small island after long disturbing years.

Today, we celebrate the third Victory Day anniversary and National War Heroes' Day to pay the nation's gratitude to the supreme sacrifice made by our War Heroes to save the motherland from the clutches of the LTTE, one of the world's most ruthless terrorist organizations.

The Humanitarian Operation which led to the nation's victory three years ago was conducted in unique style using innovative strategies. Not only Sri Lankans, but also the entire world has been very much keen to study and analyze it under various aspects. However, it is seen that less has been written and known on the environmental friendly approach of our Tri Forces when carrying out the humanitarian operation. Moreover, many of us are not much aware about the Tri Forces' contribution towards eco system restoration and environmental conservation in the post war scenario which is truly praiseworthy.

Concern for Environment during the Operation

Generally in an operational setting, large forces move in large columns with their tanks, ammunitions and other vehicles carrying logistic support in a large front thereby disturbing the environment in an extensive manner. To bring out few plain examples, this has been the case in wars in Afghanistan, Lybia or Iraq which were fought by the western powers using modern and destructive weapons. Even today clashes are continuing in these countries amidst the presence of a large number of foreign troops causing permanent damage to the environment, not to mention the civilian casualties and property damages.

However in the humanitarian operation in Sri Lanka, everything was done in a small scale causing minimum impact on the environment. Speaking to the Daily News Army Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasuriya explained how groups of eight men were employed during the operation as a strategic approach. "About hundreds of such groups were moving in different directions. So that it became a very small scale operation at the front line. This was a tactical innovation that brought up success. There was no environmental disturbance since these small groups moved as foot columns. In this manner, the possible environmental damage that could have been made by the employment of large forces was avoided" he remarked.

Brigadier Wanigasuriya went on to say how the troops employed as small groups had been secretive throughout the operation not to be exposed to the terrorists. The troops had been cautious not to disturb the environment at all, because otherwise it could have indicated their position to the enemy. "We tried to keep our exposure to the minimum. Things like shooting indiscriminately were not even thought of. When you are secretive naturally the operation becomes very environmental friendly" he noted.

The Army Spokesman also mentioned how the troops in rear areas were involved in replantation of palmyra trees in the North jointly with the Palmyra Development Board.

"We found that a large number of palmyra trees were destroyed by the LTTE for various constructions and so on. After the 'Riviresa' in 1995, a campaign for replanting palmyra was initiated, and I am sure that we must have now replanted over 100,000 trees. The Army, being the substantive force on the ground, took a lead in this activity" he observed.

The Navy and the Air Force made no less contribution in the humanitarian operation launched in 2006. Commenting on the operation of our naval force, the Brigadier observed that small arrow boats were used by the Navy mostly against the LTTE naval threat. The amount of emissions from these small boats had been significantly low and they had used less quantity of fuel. On the other hand, the Air Force did pin pointed precision targeting with the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Only the intended target was aimed by the Air Force avoiding extensive damage to the environment. They only damaged what required to be damaged.

More Eco-friendly tasks in the Post War Scenario

Brigadier Wanigasuriya observed that since the conclusion of war, the military forces have been engaged in different types of development related activities throughout the island. This can be seen as the utilization of the military forces for the optimum utility. Urban development and beautification programmes are one key area where the military contribution has been largely taken. To coordinate this work efficiently, which had been neglected over the past years, the 'Urban Development' was amalgamated to the portfolio of the Defence Ministry recently. "The Army must be the largest organization that contributes in the biggest possible way when it comes to environmental conservation and urban development and beautification programmes in the post war scenario.

We are engaging in replanting, and various other urban and rural development activities in many parts of the country. In this manner, we help to raise the environmental standards of the country. We continually engage in these activities" Brigadier Wanigasuriya noted.

The Army Spokesman also remarked that the troops' presence in the North and the East and elsewhere in the country also deters possible environmental hazards by various unscrupulous elements. "Because of our presence, illegal felling of trees or various such illegal activities in forest lands cannot be done in a major scale, and thereby prevent environmental damage to a certain extent" he pointed out.

It is with a sense of profound commitment and feeling for the Mother Nature, as it is with each and every War Hero of the Sri Lankan soil, that Brigadier Wanigasuriya finally added, "The Army is ready to assist and volunteer in any environment related activity, if our assistance is sought".