In an open letter Sarath Fonseka, the retired Army General, Sumane Liyanaarachchi, a Sri Lankan living in Sydney, Australia writes, “It is a well known factor that more than three decades of political experience together with correct thinking are powerful weapons that made President Rajapaksa a strong leader.
“In this sense” Sumane points out, “ we have no alternative other than strengthening the hands of President Rajapaksa for shifting Sri Lanka to a developed nation.”
Given below the full text of the open letter addressed to Sarath Fonseka:
Genral Sarath Fonseka
3/1, Rajakeeya Mawatha
Colombo 7.
Dear Genaral Fonseka
It has come to our attention as members of the Sri Lankan Diaspora in Sydney that your remarks in the “Sunday Leader” regarding the fact that the final stage of the war has created risky situation to the people of Sri Lanka. Although you tried to clarify the remarks, it was too late to correct the facts as detrimental comments spread all over the world within a short period of time by damaging Sri Lanka’s image.
We also noted your claim that the war against the LTTE was won due to your leadership as the Commander of the Army. Although we appreciate your leadership for advancing the army to the wining position, it is our opinion that your commanding position was heavily supported by the Air Force , Navy, Police and other military forces together with other national and international forces which were in place, without your knowledge as the Army Commander.
According to the structure of the Department of Defence in Sri Lanka, it is a known factor that Secretary of the Department has a vital role in co-ordinating all forces under the ministry and providing necessary resources to the relevant areas. We believe that Gotabaya Rajapaksha provided strong co-ordinating leadership at the war providing all necessary resources including aircrafts, ships, vehicles and personals through his department under guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Minister for Defence in Sri Lanka. The credit for the victory in defeating terrorism should go to all who worked together at that time including members and leaders of all forces including yourself, secretary, president members of the international community as well.
It is also worthwhile to draw your attention that some foreign parliamentarians gave strong political back up for creating a peaceful situation in Sri Lanka by strongly condemning the LTTE as one of the most notorious terrorist organizations in the world. In this sense I need to remind you that Senator Steve Hutchins in Federal Government of Australia made consistent speeches in federal floor supporting Sri Lanka, to make it a peaceful nation for all kind of people in the world. As an Army commander at the time of the war you should appreciate President Mahinda Rajapaska for leading supporters of the international community towards weakening its foreign LTTE networks.
It is our opinion that President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabaya Rajapaska were committed to defeat terrorism in the country while opening the doors for safeguarding the country’s democracy for all, irrespective of their differences.
The current situation in the country together with its geographical situation and economical trends of the world surely open up many untouched opportunities to Sri Lanka in the next few years, according to many analysts.
However development of the country can be achieved only if there is a stable government with correct political leadership.
As members of the international community, our opinion is that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has strong capability to lead Sri Lanka by warding off any local and outside forces.
It is a well known factor that more than three decades of political experience together with correct thinking are powerful weapons that made President Rajapaksa a strong leader.
In this sense we have no alternative other than strengthening the hands of President Rajapaksa for shifting Sri Lanka to a developed nation.
Although we appreciate you as a Presidential candidate at the next presidential election, we kindly ask you not to become a political prey of many failed unpopular politicians.
We wish you every success in your future endeavours in any areas in meeting with your strength, skills and experience.
Yours sincerely
Sumane Liyanaarachchi
Sydney, Australia
- Asian Tribune -
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