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| Pic by Chandana Wijesinghe |
The fourth annual defense seminar organized by the Sri Lanka Army was held in Colombo amid much pageantry and fanfare. In the words of the Army itself, the event was ‘aimed at inspiring discourse on the rise of Nations after a conflict with the objective of showcasing Sri Lanka’s progress in development and reconciliation’.
The three-day gathering having concluded has left one with time and space to reflect, giving rise to questions such as what Sri Lanka has taken away from the forum, and if, in fact, the aim set out to accomplish was achieved.
The objective which was clearly lofty called for the Sri Lanka Army to pull all the stops possible. The seminar themed ‘Sri Lanka: Challenges to a rising nation’ saw over 350 delegates representing over 55 countries. This was perhaps a sign of the keen interest shown by the international arena and as a result one can only assume that Sri Lanka’s image has improved dramatically in recent times.
While reconciliation was a topic mentioned weaving in and out of discussions, this year’s event was focused mainly on development. This can be taken as a signal to the world that Sri Lanka is now moving on leaving its past behind.
Delivering the key note speech, Secretary to the Treasury, Dr. P.B Jayasundera took attendees through post-independence events which pushed Sri Lanka in to becoming a marginalized nation. He then outlined the shift Sri Lanka has made since to a developing nation.
Travesty of justice
Dr. Jayasundera also presented the possible upcoming challenges as an emerging economy in order to achieve USD 7,500 per capita by 2020, a point which will resonate throughout other speeches made. “The country now has strong prospects of reaching USD 7,500 per capita by 2020,” he said.
While development was outright on the day’s cards, evidently the UNHRC investigation in to the alleged reports of war crimes in the country during the last phase of conflict was an important underlying topic.
Dr. Jayasundera pointed out that the Sri Lankan government provided assistance to refugees of war while ensuring their human rights was protected. Speaking of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation commission (LLRC) recommendations, he said that a government task force is ensuring that the relevant agencies implement the recommendations in a timely manner.
While Dr. Jayasundera merely touched on the topic, the day’s chief guest Minister of External affairs Prof. G.L Peiris had strong words for those involved in the UN investigation.
“A travesty of justice” he said referring to the UNHRC investigation. “It is a matter of profound regret that we look at some foreign powers that are targeting Sri Lanka without learning or seeing what we are today,” he said. According to him Sri Lanka’s critics fail to see reconciliatory moves, set in motion in war-affected areas.
Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ravinath Ariyasinha noted that some states are proving to be a threat to Sri Lanka’s rise. “Unfortunately, particularly a few Western countries fuelled by political motivations have continued to relentlessly pursue Sri Lanka,” he said. According to Ariyasinha while Sri Lanka has moved consistent with the recommendations of the LLRC, and has continued to remain fully engaged with all UN agencies, these countries have constantly shifted the goal posts on human rights related concerns.
India’s mistake
The operation of various non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) appeared to be a topic of concern among top government brass. Prof. Peiris called them “Organizations with vested interests” adding that the hard-won victory in the country should not be allowed to be torpedoed by such groups.
“Our good Samaritans or do-gooders do not live up to our expectations and they forget that ours is a tradition-rich society” he said. Prof. G.L Peiris warned that the government will be alert to elements that are intent on doing harm to the country with foreign funds.
“The operation of NGO’s in non-regulated environments has become a threat to financial management,” Dr. P.B Jayasundera said thereby affecting the development of a country.
Noticeably two of Sri Lanka’s major partners in the international arena, China and India could be seen actively taking part in the seminar with much interest. While the Chinese delegation questioned as to how China can help in Sri Lanka’s development Prof. G.L Peiris diplomatically answered that help of any kind from whichever country that offers will be accepted.
In a private interview during the forum Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Stalwart Dr. Subramanian Swamy also expressed interest in strengthening relations between India and Sri Lanka. Dr. Swamy pointed out that it was India’s mistake that China has become a close confidant of Sri Lanka as a vacuum left by India was filled by them. Voicing his support for the Sri Lankan Government Dr. Swamy said that India will not support the UN Charter against Sri Lanka. It appears that now Sri Lanka’s position has been strengthened by two powerful allies who are eager to further strengthen relationships.
Potent threat
As revealed in the seminar the Tamil Diaspora still appears to be a major concern of the Sri Lankan government. According to Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ravinath Ariyasinha it continues to be a potent threat to the country’s peace.
“Within the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora there continues to remain a small but vociferous group of who is intent on seeking to vilify Sri Lanka and attempt to prolong the separatist struggle,” he stressed.
“While we have defeated the LTTE in Sri Lanka, the organization and its operations are very much alive in a number of Western countries,” he claimed. According to him this remains a challenge to speeding up the pace of reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
Perhaps it is due to this reason that many presenters expressed their concerns adding that Sri Lanka needs to be vigilant of possible national security risks.
These concerns were addressed and reassurance was given by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake. According to him Sri Lanka’s national security is now stronger than ever.
Overall the Sri Lanka Army’s enthusiasm and interest to contribute to the post-conflict society is admirable. Perhaps a unique model that has clearly worked, the defense sector’s contribution to national development will be beneficial to other countries as it surely presents Sri Lanka as a successful model to be followed.
According to Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake currently the employment of the defense sector to further aspirations of development and prosperity remains the principal security effort of the forces. However, Sri Lanka Army also stresses that this is in no way militarization of society.
It was uplifting to hear Prof. Bantarto Bandoro of Indonesia saying Sri Lanka within a short span has made great strides. In the eyes of many participating countries it was clear that Sri Lanka is, in fact, an emerging nation and despite various challenges posed it is today a nation that can stand proud before the world as the country that defeated terrorism.
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