Saluting our valiant soldiers with honour and dignity

The nation salutes it war heroes today – those who gave for the air of independence and freedom from terrorism that we breathe today. We are indebted to these valiant men and women for delivering the nation and the futures of its people from the clutches of terror. The sacrifices they made with life and limb are insuperable, and our appreciation must know no bounds.
That our armed forces are the most experienced and only successful military force in the world today is fact. The Sri Lankan military has been engaged in fighting what was undisputedly the most organised and ruthless terrorist group for three decades. With its international network for weapons smuggling and a formidable force on land, sea and air – the LTTE was seen by some as indestructible. The Sri Lankan conflict was expectedly a prolonged affair that would drag for generations to come. That expectation was effectively laid to rest with the annihilation of the LTTE’s leadership in the military and humanitarian offensive. Today the Sri Lankan army is the only force that has conquered in the global fight against terrorism; an example and an inspiration to its every counterpart.
The battle won is not the end – it is the beginning of the human operation; the battle to build confidence, trust and strength amongst all communities, and ensure the rights and privileges of all Sri Lankans. Contrary to conventional belief, the military still has a significant role to play in this process to ensure the security and stability of the people. It must protect the peace it crafted, and ensure there is no room to return to the pain and strife we knew a little too well. This is not an operation for the military alone, but again an inclusive process where they must work together – more closely – with government and civil society organisations. Our forces must not only be a symbol of strength, it must also extend its reach as a social empowerer.
How do we appreciate the contribution of those who gave without restraint? Can we ever understand the pain and sacrifice these men and women made in battle? It would be fair to state: may we never learn – may we never experience the grim of war and that for generations to come. But it leaves us with the question, have we done enough to recognise the value and effort of these brave men and women. Perhaps the answer would elude, but we must do enough to hold confidence to know we have tried. The hundreds of servicemen who are today disabled by the cruel of war must know that their future is secure, and that the nation and its people have not forgotten. We need to constantly ask ourselves if we have done enough. On Page 8 of our issue today there is an excellent list of recommendations by a retired Major General as to how best we can care for soldiers and their families.
There is a significant role that the society at large, and both the public and private sector could play. We have done our part in a little way and more, but perhaps there’s more we could do. Some organisations chose what they called a gentle approach, so that no one would claim they gained mileage out of conflict, or the sufferings of displaced people. Let us be reminded that this is no longer the time to wait. Those people who gave, and those people who suffered need to see and feel the touch of our warmth now. We need to ease their suffering; the years and memories of violence and there is no waiting for that. We need to act fast to elevate their minds and lives. We are doing it for the nation, we are doing it for those who gave and we are doing it for those who deserve.
So let us converge today to salute our security forces, our symbol or strength and national pride. You have laid the foundation for a new Sri Lanka; you have delivered us to the doorstep of peace and opportunity. Our appreciation knows no bounds and we salute you – the defenders of the nation. Let us now combine in changing the face of Sri Lanka, in changing the lives of the people you protect. The war on terror is over, and another one begins