'I will dedicate myself for the motherland in whatever circumstances'

'I will dedicate myself for the motherland in whatever circumstances'
A open letter from General Sarath Fonseka to the Soldiers in the Army
In a special communique addressing the war heroes General Sarath Fonseka states that he will dedicate his life in whatever circumstances to restore the democracy that is weakening in the motherland, and to safeguard human rights, media freedom, social justice and communal harmony.

His complete communique is as follows :

The message issued by General Sarath Fonseka,
RWP, RSP,VSV, USP, RCUS, PSC after his retirement from the post of Chief of Defence of the Ministry of State Defence, Public Defence, Law and Peace of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Dear Heroes,

Parents, Wives, Children, Brothers & Sisters, Relatives of the Heroes,

Although I cannot personally address the war heroes and their relatives of Sri Lankan Army, Sri Lana Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police and Civil Defence Force after my retirement from the post of Chief of Defence of the Ministry of State Defence, Public Defence, Law and Order of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, I consider it is my duty to address all of them and bequeath my thankfulness to them.

I have contributed to the maximum for nearly 40 years as an officer of the Sri Lankan Army holding all positions and portfolios to safeguard the freedom, territorial integrity and sovereignty of mother Sri Lanka.

I gratefully recollect that it was you, the dear heroes who assisted me to accomplish victory in all operations with my guidance and strategies.

To eliminate the most dreadful terrorism which existed during the last 30 years all the heroes have contributed who were in service over these 30 years. All of them are the title-holders of this victory we have achieved today. It is not a secret that your sweat, blood and tears shed on behalf of the motherland strengthened the mentality, bravery, tactfulness and courage which contributed to eradicate the LTTE with the military movement that originated with the Mavil Aru operation.

Hence, it should be recognized without any doubt, that the real heroes of this victory are the war heroes. I most humbly state that as a result of correct leadership which I consider was my responsibility and duty as the Army Commander to this heroic army which was enriched with courageous mentality and bravery augmenting them with proper training and new war strategies, using modern arms and war equipment, we have liberated our motherland from this dreadful terrorism.

Moreover, all these war heroes participated in this noble activity with the blessings of their parents, wives, children, brothers, sisters and relatives. Because of this reason all these groups are the shareholders of this victory. I honor these relatives with gratitude for providing their loved heroes with necessary courage and sending to the war front depriving even the little luxuriesthey enjoy, to gain the necessary strength to liberate the motherland. If not for the nearly hundred thousand heroes who joined me on the 4th Eelam War I wouldn’t have achieved this victory.

It has accentuated that Sri Lanka is unique with the most professional and discreet Army which has marvelled the whole world because everybody who acted with an inimitable anticipation. This is a great honor achieved by all of us for which we should honor the war heroes and those who encouraged them.

The war heroes contributed without a proper sleep or food, ignoring hot sun or heavy rains, considering that the motherland is supreme than their lives. Likewise those who bestowed their blessings also ignored their inconveniences longing for the security and peace in the motherland.

I repeat that we have defeated the terrorism accomplishing expectations of everybody securing the motherland and the nation because we had acted realizing that it was the duty and responsibility of everybody.

There are many war heroes who sacrificed their lives or were disabled as it is the duty of all of us to secure our motherland with the sacrifice of our lives of our limbs. We have accomplished this victory with the breath of all who sacrificed their lives or have been declared as disappeared and with the blood shed by the injured. I honor those heroes who sacrificed their lives or disappeared on this behalf. I commemorate them with much grief. I offer my heartfelt gratitude to their loved ones. I bear in mind all disabled war heroes with honour. I also remember that the whole nation honour them.

We should immensely appreciate the assistance received to the Army from the Navy, the Air Force and the Civil Defence Force in achieving this victory. In addition the honourable clergy of all religions and all citizens encouraged us in this activity. We respect all of them.

We liberated the innocent people who lived in the liberated areas as we won the war. In addition we freed about ten thousand youth who were in the grip of the terrorists. The army should be very dedicated to secure their future and rehabilitate them. Similarly all the other armed forces should contribute towards this. Only acting in this manner that the Sri Lankans will be able to live in harmony.

You all faced this war as very professional soldiers. Hence we won this war graciously. We have to maintain this dignity within the army in the future. We should not allow anybody to tarnish the honor of the army and we should not allow anybody to politicize the army. Even though others attempt to blemish us we should remember that we are the real heros of the victory of the war.

I regret very much that I was prevented from paying my gratitude to those who dedicated to end the war that existed for more than 30 years in a short period of 2 years and 8 months and also to uplift the benefits of their loved ones as I had to bid farewell to the Commander's post all of a sudden. I was very much frustrated that I had no opportunity to fulfill this obligation during the short period I served as the Chief of Security Forces.

An official function was scheduled to be held on Noember 26th at the farewell of my 40 years service in the Army. The Commanders of the Three Forces and the Inspector General of Police did not get an opportunity to participate in this event. I wish to mention that it was one reason that induced me to issue this communication. It deprived me the opportunity to extend my gratitude on behalf of the contribution made by all forces and the Police.

My security was decreased to 25 in spite of my request to provide a unit of 100 soldiers because of the threats on my life. On repeated requests it is stated that I will be provided 60 soldiers and 3 vehicles. I have been ordered by the highest authority to vacate the official residence as soon as I have retired. Although many obstacles have arisen to find a suitable rented house some are trying to drag me on to the road. It is a well known fact that a house to be built on your behalf of is none other than giving birth to a mouse after suffering much pain akin to a mountain. I am aware that you are also regretting without a house. This is the reward we have received at the end of much sacrifices for the motherland.

Whatsoever I am aware that you, who demonstrated a distinguished service during the humanatarian operations liberating the innocent people and securing their lives and property as the best disciplined Army which respect without communal differences, will dedicate with your maximum strength for the welfare of the Tamil people. I am confident that you have the necessary strength and courage to accomplish this duty.No matter whatsoever obstacles will be encountered, I assure that I will dedicate myself to secure the weakening democracy, human rights, media freedom, social justice and secure communal harmony and also will be with you as a shadow for the wellbeing of the future.

I thank you all honourably for contributing together in liberating Sri Lanka from the dreadful situation that our motherland and the nation was suffering and transforming it to a worthy land to live peacefully. I earnestly request you to determine to dedicate your worthy service for the motherland.

I wish you all a bright future.
May the peace in motherland be there forever

-Sarath Foìeka-