The Tiger misinformation mill and local crime

The possible 'inside story' in a cricketer's brutal murder in Trincomalee recently, should remind local as well as international opinion of the grave harm that could be done to Sri Lanka by the LTTE rump and its supporters abroad. True, the whole truth about the brutal killing of the cricketer in Trincomalee could be revealed only by a court of law but what has been disclosed by the Police thus far should help in putting all credulous sections on their guard in the face of LTTE propaganda that the law enforcers of this country are prone to perpetrate abuses in these post-conflict times. No opinions and viewpoints on this question of abuses and alleged criminality could be taken at face value. That these allegations must be approached with an open mind, is one of the lessons which must be learnt.

There is, apparently, more than meets the eye in the Trincomalee killing, although the LTTE rump and its allies would have the world believe that elements linked to the Lankan state are behind it.

The possibilities thrown up by the initial investigations should put the sections of opinion concerned on their guard.

It is habitual for the critics of the Lankan state to immediately point an accusing finger at the government over disappearances and killings of an intriguing nature among the Tamil community of this country in particular but the truth could be completely at variance with popular opinion of this kind which is usually formed by prejudice and irrational proclivities. Needless to say, emotional predilections cannot lead to the truth, which is usually established on the basis of facts.

These intrigues by the Tiger rump and their supporters are in no way new. On some previous occasions stories on alleged state-triggered lawless acts, such as disappearances, have been revealed to be baseless. But the damage such rumours could do to the image of Sri Lanka, is immense.

Accordingly, countering the Tiger disinformation mill emerges as a pressing priority. This has remained an urgent need over the years but it is not clear whether the problem is being addressed by the agencies of the state effectively.

As far as we are aware, the law enforcement authorities are carrying out their duties to the best of their ability but the Tiger rumour mill could be counted on to portray our law enforcers in the bleakest possible terms. This, all concerned should be aware of and the counter-measures need to be taken to convey to the world the factual picture as regards our law enforcement authorities.

As could be seen, Sri Lanka is a country on the mend and thanks mainly to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his administration, the law enforcers and other agencies of the state, the conditions are being created 'on the ground' for relative prosperity and well being. This gargantuan state reconstruction and rejuvenation project needs to be supported by all right-thinking citizens. It is these glowing present and future prospects that the enemies of Sri Lanka are attempting to ruin through their damning rumours about this country. We need to fight off these efforts at undermining Sri Lanka with unflagging zeal.

The public needs to take a leaf from President Rajapaksa on the issue of protecting the pride and integrity of this country. As he told a supportive audience in London on Wednesday, he will be standing firm by Sri Lanka, come what may.

This dedication to the country needs to be reflected in all that we do. But as we do this, we should adhere to the principle of forging friendly ties with all states who wish us well. We should guard against developing any isolationist proclivities as a country, while giving priority to the national interest.

The policy of building bridges of friendship with the world must be assiduously followed, but a policy of isolationism must be guarded against. We need all the goodwill which we could muster to steer ourselves towards a brave new future. In such circumstances, isolating the LTTE rump and other elements which are out to undermine our interests would prove easy.