‘SL’s counter terrorism experience, focus of world attention’

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The role of Sri Lankan armed forces in eradicating terrorism from the country and establishing a suitable environment for development has engaged the attention of Sri Lanka’s friends overseas and won their acclaim, External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris said in Trincomalee on Monday.

Prof. G. L. Peiris

He was speaking as Chief Guest at the commissioning and passing out parade of the 26th Intake Midshipmen of the General Sir John Kotalawela Defence University, the 3rd batch of Direct Entry (RNF) Officers of 2011 and 2nd batch of Direct Entry (VNF) Officers of 2011, trained at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee.

Prof. Peiris referred to the remarks by Russian Federation Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov, during bilateral discussions in Moscow last week, indicating interest in a seminar, to be organized under the auspices of the Asia Co-operation Dialogue, on the Sri Lankan experience in respect of combating terrorism. A preliminary discussion is to be held in the city of Tashkent in Uzbekistan, to prepare the ground for a major international event in Colombo. With the recognition of the importance of effective counter-terrorism measures as a matter that is crucial for the well-being of the international community, these initiatives involve a sharp focus on Sri Lanka, the Minister said.

The timely publication of the book by C A Chandraprema has added a new impetus to widespread interest in the Sri Lankan experience, he added. This work, which is worthy of serious study both in our country and abroad, contains a valuable analysis not only of aspects of the military action during its successive phases but of the political backdrop and an extensive range of attendant circumstances, he commented.

The public need to be aware of persistent and continuing efforts by some groups abroad to destabilize the country by means of an onslaught at the international level - a threat which has to be countered systematically and with seriousness of purpose, Prof. Peiris continued. In this context, he particularly regretted the mischievous attempts by some elements within the country to whip up feelings on the basis of false propaganda.

The misinformation with regard to an alleged secret plan is an especially despicable example of this campaign, Minister Peiris continued.

All that the Sri Lankan delegation did in Washington was to explain with clarity what had already been accomplished, and the course of action for the future. To suggest that there was something secret or clandestine about this is not only irresponsible but a totally false attempt to tarnish the country from within, he said.

The Minister observed that the duty of the armed forces to the country does not end by any means with the cessation of hostilities. On the contrary, the country will benefit from involvement by the armed forces in crucial tasks relating to development he continued.

Prof. Peiris, warmly felicitating all those who were passing out and wishing them a satisfying career blessed with abundant opportunity to serve their motherland, commended in conclusion the highly relevant and structured programmes of instruction now available at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee. In this age of specialization, formal training is of the greatest importance as a means of preparation for a successful career, he emphasized.