(This is the part 2 of post Is Sarath or Mahinda the father of victory .. - Part 1)
Who declared war against LTTE terrorists?
Interestingly, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa launched his humanitarian campaign to liberate the Tamils as well as the country from the clutches of Prabhakaran and his separatist terrorist goons, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, the then Army Commander was not even in the country.
He was out in Singapore, getting medication.He became a victim of LTTE suicide attack even before Mahinda declared fight against terrorism. When he rejoined the active service good part of Eastern province was already liberated from LTTE terrorists.
Placing the country on war footing
Mahinda Rajapaksa government prepared for the possible battle well in advance. Firstly the government managed to get the support (Or at least undue opposition) of strategic countries. They managed to get the counter support of our genuine friends in international community to keep our enemy countries in the West on check.
Providing Moral support to the forces
The “Api wenuwen Api” campaign was the trumpet of the war. Suddenly the so called “Misserable War” (as branded by INGOs and allied politicians) became “Fight against terrorism”. The waged soldier became the war hero (“rana viruva”).
The youth in the country rallied around this political mission of liberating the mother land against LTTE terrorism. Government increased the defense budget not only to tighten the fire power but also to improve the well fare of the forces.
It was an emotional occasion when Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Kabithigollawa when LTTE terrorists attacked a bus carrying civilians. The political leadership used all those situations to rally the nation to fight against terrorism. Above all, Rajapaksa government convinced the troops and the nation that government will never turn back due to international political pressure and betray the sacrifices of valiant arm forces.
Role of General Sarath Fonseka
However, unbelievable it may be the truth is as Army Commander; Sarath Fonseka never visited any of the theatres of war when the battle was raging between the Sri Lankan forces and the Tamil Tigers. He never ventured out into the front line until Kilinochchi was liberated.
When the troops had pushed out Tamil Tigers from Kilinochchi, President Mahinda Rajapaksa decided to visit the area on April 16, 2009. He wanted to celebrate the Sinhala and Hindu New Years with the troops stationed in Kilinochchi, IDPs and other civilians.
The President invited the Army Commander to accompany him. But Fonseka showed reluctance saying that the war with the LTTE was still raging and as such on and no risks should be taken. Army Commander lacked the courage to go to the frontline.
But the President kept his date with the front line. On his arrival at the proposed new hospital complex in the heart of Kilinochchi town on 16 April 2009, morning, the President and his entourage were received by Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, and Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Roshan Goonatilake. The Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickaramratne was also present.
Sarath Fonseka reached Kilinochchi a day ahead of President’s visit. That was the first time General Sarath Fonseka set his foot in the war ravaged region.
Interestingly both when the war was declared and when the war ended, Gen Fonseka was no where in the scene. When President Rajapaksa declared war on the LTTE after the Mavil-Aru incident, the star general was away in Singapore. During the final days of the war, he was away in China with his son-in-law.
Role of Navy and Air force
Under Karannagoda’s leadership, the navy destroyed eight merchant ships in separate confrontations on the high seas with the last successful strike carried out on October 7, 2007 about 2,600 km south of Dondra head. It was undoubtedly an unprecedented feat achieved by painstaking intelligence gathering, both here and abroad, and changing the concept of deployment of major naval assets on the northern waters. During this period, the navy expanded as it took over more responsibilities with regard to deployment on the ground and also played a critical role in covert operations. The early success of Navy in deep see cut down LTTE arms supply. This effectively eased subsequent ground operations. The Air force had its ups and downs but played strategic role not only by supporting ground troops but also carrying air strikes on key LTTE leaders. The LTTE deputy Tamil Selvem was a victim of such operation.
It is hilarious that one of his interviews to the ITN, retired General Sarath Fonseka tried to get good part of the credit of successful attacks of ships by Navy which was far beyond his control.
Generals Sarath Fonseka’s long time unidirectional antagonism against Navy chief Wasantha Karannagoda
It is well known fact that Generals Sarat Fonseka has long time antagonism against Navy chief Wasantha Karannagoda. Some reports that grudge back to good old school days of the General. It was reported in media that Generals Sarath Fonseka hardly speak with Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda even at the security council meetings headed by President Rajapaksa. This fact itself emphasis the skills of president Rajapaksa who managed to co-ordinate the fight against terrorism even when Army Commander has antagonism with his fellow Navy commander!!!
Stand up with the enemies
After the victory of fight against terrorism, all those who took part in the endeavor are tightly united together to preserve the hard battled victory. It is only retired General Sarath Fonseka that has crossed over to the enemy side that was supporting the LTTE separatism in full fledge during the time in need.
It is pity that retired general Sarath Fonseka became a hero by sacrificing good part of his life time and effort. But a simple weakness in character has paved the way for his down fall. Sheer ‘ego’ of Sarath Fonseka is dragging him to the dustbin of the Sri Lankan history.
Related Articles:
- Is Sarath or Mahinda the father of victory against LTTE terrorism? - Part 1 (29 Nov 2009)
- Defining terrorism (25 Jul 2007)
- Lashing burst of marching into the den of the Tiger terrorist (17 Sep 2007)
References:
- Definition of terrorism
- Sarath Fonseka – The megalomaniac’s tryst with fame and flame (Asian Tribune)
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