"Our victory showed the world how humane our brave soldiers are..."
- President
 "No
one could charge the military for any crime as they had engaged in a
humanitarian operation in a professional manner. I urge those who point
their finger at us to be careful as their other fingers are pointed at
themselves," President and Commander-in-Chief Mahinda Rajapaksa at the
inauguration of the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Army
on Saturday (Oct 03).
He said that terrorism is born and nurtured due to the
lack of development . Now the government has taken over the
responsibility of ushering in national development. Anyone who has
witnessed the bravery of the army that fought the most dreaded
terrorists in the world would not think of leaving the country. He said
that this exhibition displays the pride of the Lanka Army which is
experiencing its golden era. The Sri Lanka Army flag has strengthened
the national flag.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserted that some
internal forces were trying to charge Sri Lanka for war crimes to cover
up their shortcomings and to degrade the hard earned military victory,
but as long as there are patriotic people, these forces would not
achieve their ignoble 'missions'.
The
President said that no one could charge the military for any crime as
they had engaged in a humanitarian operation in a professional manner.
"I urge those who point their finger at us to be
careful as their other fingers are pointed at themselves," he said.
The President expressed confidence that those who
witnessed the heroism of our soldiers who had defeated the world's most
ruthless terrorists would not attempt to take up arms again to destroy
this united country and would not think of a separate State when they
reap the benefits of the country's development.
The President said that the 60th anniversary of the
SLA would be the most spectacular event in its history, as an honour to
the soldiers who recorded this victory by sacrificing their lives and
limbs.
"The victory over the LTTE, after three decades, was
not handed over to us on a platter. It was not a mere victory, but it is
a victory that showed the world how humane our brave soldiers are. The
soldiers carried guns in one hand and the Human Rights Convention in the
other. At the same time their hearts were full of love for their fellow
human beings," he said.
He said that over 30,000 military personnel had died
during the 30-year war, of which over 23,000 were from the SLA.
"This shows the commitment of the SLA to defeat
terrorism in this country. Armies of other countries may have the latest
firepower, but their soldiers lack humanity. The SLA is the only Army
that can celebrate its anniversaries with pride as it is the only Army
that defeated terrorism. The SLA flag will flutter majestically among
all Army flags of other countries," he said, adding that other armies
could not defeat terrorism though they may have superior firepower.
"Our soldiers had fought the world's most ruthless
terrorists who had adopted the most inhumane tactics like suicide
bombers. I hope these armies study and research the means with which our
Army defeated the LTTE. They have to study the courage, bravery and
commitment of our soldiers and military leaders who led the war to its
victory. They also have to study the humanity of these soldiers, who
rescued thousands of civilians that suffered under terrorism," President
Rajapaksa said.
He said the SLA is a professional and disciplined Army
unlike the armies of those countries which talk against Sri Lanka.
"I think that our Army was encouraged to defeat
terrorism by the support given by the people of this country. They gave
their children to the Army, they protected the military leaders who led
the war and tolerated all the hardships they faced until this victory,"
he said, pointing out that the people of this country - the Sinhalese,
Tamils and Muslims - joined hands with the Government with one goal in
mind - to defeat the LTTE.
He said the Government would do anything to protect
the country and the hard-earned victory.
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