CLASSIFIED | POLITICS | TERRORISM | OPINION | VIEWS

Sri Lanka - The goal should be self-reliance on defence

Ben Silva

We all know, it is the weak that gets bullied. It is time to develop our own defence technology so that we can stand up to the bullies. We get nothing, other than the boot, by licking the boots of powerful countries. It is possible to back up our words with deeds, only if we have a self reliant defence capability. The threat to Sri Lanka has to be converted to an opportunity, to benefit Sri Lanka. We could provide high tech employment to many Sri Lankans, in the defence Industry, if Govt. owned companies are floated in partnership with foreign friends. This has to be done without delay. India managed to develop its space technology in a span of 60 years. We should start development programs now, without delay with the help of foreign friends. I understand structures are there already for defence research. So what we need is expansion of these facilities and leaders with technical 'know how' and a 'can do' culture.

Over the centuries, the Sinhalese have been weakened and marginalised and we have lost our pride, self belief and self respect. We see instances where our brothers and sisters abroad are ill-treated. We need to develop a sense of belonging and care and respect all Sri Lankans.
Over the Centuries, the Sinhalese have been ethnically cleansed and we should not allow any one to legitimise ethnic cleansing that has been carried out in the past.

We need to now start our recovery and get our self confidence and dignity back. LTTE has given us an opportunity to wake up and we should make use of this opportunity . Sri Lanka has Engineers and scientists to match any in the world, and it is time they are given the opportunity to develop themselves and to serve mother Lanka. This message is also aimed at IESL members and I sincerely hope that the members discuss the issues with those that has the authority to take decisions.

We have to defend our country and our people ourselves, at the same time maintain highest standards of morality, respect for others, ethics and conduct. We must make sure we do not practice racism but simply defend ourselves against racists and colonialists. This is the first time after a long period, we have a President and a defence secretary with brains and love for Sri Lanka. Let us take the steps now to be self reliant in defence.

There is a lot to learn from Jews and Israel as to how they survived and faced external threats.
When the Sri Lankan government is fighting a most barbaric and dangerous terrorist organization, their supporters complain to the United Nations and other international organizations to intervene. It is clear that in addition to the military war that is going on, there is a propaganda war as well. Also what is worrying is, that our masses and some of our leaders such as RW failed to understand the LTTE strategic plans for both military and propaganda wars.

Whilst many Sri Lankans were in deep sleep, LTTE went ahead with their strategic plans. Number of Sri Lankans appear to project the voice of foreign paymasters. Some NGO's who get paid handsomely try to justify their existence by generating unjustifiable propaganda against Sri Lanka. If there is firm evidence that some NGO's have been acting against Sri Lanka, then there is simply no point in allowing them to operate in Sri Lanka.

It has to be made clear that I am not against our peace loving Tamil brothers and sisters, that have contributed to Sri Lanka. Our Tamil brothers and sisters should throw away the attitudes of racism, that corrupts the mind, and work together, with genuine friendship, with all communities. Whilst saying a firm no to racism, there has to be a mechanism to protect the Sinhalese from being wiped out or being ethnically cleansed, as has happened in the past.

Anyone with a little bit of brain would know that MR is the best president we ever had. LTTE could be up to its tricks again, and we have to carry out risk assessments, simulations and brain storming to work out what LTTE could do.

"Think of the impossible and take precautions. " This is where war games and brain storming help to understand the enemy's mind. It may be good to get some guidance from our friends.
We want the Sinhalese to wake up from their deep slumber, LTTE have given us a wake up call.
The Philippines has a Government Arsenal, abbreviated as GA, under the Department of National Defence, responsible for producing basic weapons, ammunition, and other munitions for the Armed Forces of the Philippines [2]. We could team up with Philippines and do joint ventures. The Philippines has realized that self-reliance particularly in the area of defence matters is necessary for the Philippines to ensure its security [3],[4].

India is developing its space technology [7], missiles [6] and nuclear submarines [8].
Even a small, underdeveloped African Country, Zimbabwe has its own defence Industry [9]. It is generally known that military materials Sri Lanka purchased from ZDI vanished into thin air.

It is becoming clear that Sri Lanka need the following:
a) A competent group of researchers and communicators capable of writing crisp clear reports and make excellent oral presentations. There must be a mechanism for Sri Lankans living abroad to support this group. At the moment, it has to be acknowledged that vast amount of work is done by unpaid volunteers in SPUR and Lankaweb. The oral presentations should be supported by Multi media technology, to create a good impact on the audience. Presentations could be held in various places in the globe to present Sri Lanka's views, to counter LTTE propaganda. This sort of activity is not a luxury but essential. Presentations could be handled by embassy staff, but need to be trained appropriately. I understand that progress has been made in obtaining the services of good communicators.

b) Develop a self reliant defence system, and strategies. Again not a luxury, but essential. Do joint defence ventures with Philippines, Israel, India, Pakistan, China and others who are willing to do joint ventures. Joint ventures are needed to cut the cost down. USA of course is an important friend and we need to explain the real situation to them.

c) Lobbying by Patriots for a) and b) above, so that persons that have the authority to make things happen are aware of the need and take action.

d) Need to explain the truth, in crisp clear non aggressive, factual language the true situation in Sri Lanka to politicians that matter, such as Mr Patric healey of USA.
A specialist group may be needed to produce presentation material, but the actual communication could be done by embassy staff in various countries.

e) A permanent think tank to assess future internal and external threats to Sri Lanka and to determine counter measures.
.

References
1. http://ccrweb.ccr.uct.ac.za/archive/defencedigest/defdigest02.html#intro
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_Arsenal_(Philippines)
3. http://www.arsenal.mil.ph/dir.html
4. http://www.stii.dost.gov.ph/sntpost/frames/julytosept04/pg17.htm
5. http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/uu04te/uu04te0k.htm
6. http://bdl.ap.nic.in/
7. http://www.isro.org/
8.http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=124552&catID=4&category=Technology&rtFlg=rtFlg
9. http://ccrweb.ccr.uct.ac.za/archive/defencedigest/defdigest02.html

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