The following is a text of the speech of Chief of Defense staff Sarath Fonseka made at Washington Vihara on the 25th of October.
This is the first speech of mine in a Temple. If I have made any mistake, please pardon me. I made it abundantly clear to Ven. Dharmasiri Nayake Thero on what happened in the past, and what ought to happen in the future.
When I came to America last time, some of you here must have been there on that occasion too. We gave a solemn promise last year that by 2009, we will finish the war. We are happy that we are here on this occasion after finishing the war. We gave the promise that we will eradicate the terrorists and liberate the country to give the citizens a life of security.
We toiled and sacrificed a lot for this victory. This was not a victory won simply and easily. We sweated a lot. We made a lot of valorous efforts for this. As the Ven. Thero says, some are trying to show that this victory was easily gotten and share its credit. Those who know how the victory was secured, I think are only those who participated in the action, as to how we suffered to earn that victory, specially the Army. Though I am serving all three Forces now, I will be failing in duty, if I don’t speak of the supreme sacrifices made by Army in this victory.
5200 died from the Army and 28,000 were maimed in the course to victory. As a commanding Officer of the Army, we owe a debt to these soldiers. But for their sacrifices this war would not have been won.
During that period about one lakh recruits joined the Army. If they have not joined, perhaps we would still be in Vavuniya. We couldn’t have progressed further. The People’s support nad their blessings were with us. This is why so many joined the Army. Of those recruits, there are 80, 000 of them still with us. 20,000 would have gone away without leave. But for such co operation, however skilful we may be as Army Generals or politicians, this victory could not have been achieved. Even before we had need to recruit soldiers, yet not even 3000 soldiers could not be recruited for a year. However, at the right circumstances, 40,000 soldiers joined. I think that was also a great victory.
By this victory, we do not expect to jubilate and celebrate for ever because Prabhakaran died. There was no Prabhakaran earlier. Prabhakaran emerged only 30 yars ago. Those Sri Lankans who have forgotten the origins may forget the amount of toils, sufferings and sacrifices we made during these 30 years, the future generations, I am sure will meet Prabhakarans.
Hence, I accept what the Nayake Thero said, all must stand united. Building unity is important. If everyone of us contribute to this in their own way honestly from wherever they are, the unity can be accomplished, and carried forward. If that happens, this country can be saved.
But, we can see for ourselves in some instances, some of those in Colombo, have already started speaking as though this victory was won like in a sweep draw. They are also people with responsibilities in the country. If they also understand. in the future, the difficulties and hardships though which this war was won, it will do a great deal of good.
We will perform our tasks duly in respect of the future duties. Uniformed generals will not always be in uniform. I have been in the Army four years beyond my pension age. But. I don’t think everything has been fulfilled. Just because Prabhakaran died, that does not mean there is 100% security in the country.
The IDPs should be re settled with the assistance of the Forces making sure that this scourge does not become contagious again. In the people’s refugee camps, there are thousands of terrorists. If only these terrorists are identified and arrested, and the Civilians are isolated and re settled, there can be a certainty and contentment that the war is over.
We must somehow accomplish this. Sometimes, specially people like us may have to remove our uniforms. We cannot wear uniforms forever. However, if there arises a need to come forward to protect the national security, I will not hesitate to give my might.
If there are steps to be taken for country‘s progress and security, as citizens of the country, it is our duty to contribute to them. Instead of talking of the war victory all the time and jubilating , what is important is to think of the country and see what other measures must be taken. Having this in mind, I hope all of you too will continue showing the same concern you displayed during the time of the war. Keep your vigilance and see whether the country is in the right direction, or should it be changed in the right direction. If there is a time of need for security, provide that and be of service to the country.
The importance of students scholarships must be made special mention. I am encouraged by the support and service rendered by you towards this. My appreciation for it. I thank you for providing me this opportunity.
Editor’s note :
As the Lanka e news had received information that the General’s speech earlier posted by us was not complete, we have published the full speech again.
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