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By Shamindra Ferdinando
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has rejected criticism that the country is being targeted by a section of the international community over accountability issues due to mismanagement of the country’s foreign policy.
President Rajapaksa says that the government is being targeted at the behest of western powers and the LTTE rump and the difficulties experienced on the diplomatic front aren’t due to any lapse on Sri Lanka’s part.
President expressed these views speaking at the Regimental Headquarters of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) at Boyagane, Kurunegala at the conclusion of the president’s and regimental colours awarding ceremony.
The presidential address was delivered in the wake of the passage of a second US resolution against Sri Lanka.
The President said that the country experienced heavy international pressure throughout the campaign against LTTE terrorism.
An irate President asked whether parrippu (dhal) drop over Jaffna peninsula, deployment of foreign forces and the signing of peace accords inimical to national interests in agreement with foreign powers were due to proper management of external policy . The President said that the war couldn’t be won for 30 years due to poor handling of the country’s foreign policy and the failure on the part of those in power at that time to recognize Sri Lanka’s genuine friends.
Recalling the circumstances under which the VIR had been raised on Sept 26, 1988, the President appreciated the sacrifices made by the formation in the fight against terrorism.
The VIR comprises 15 regular and eight volunteer battalions. Since its formation, VIR has lost 135 officers and 3,050 personnel with several thousands wounded.
The President said that in spite of paying heavy price in their battle against terrorism, security forces and police had reacted humanely when the LTTE collapsed on the Vanni front leading to the surrender of thousands of cadres. Unfortunately Sri Lanka’s achievements had been ignored by those who couldn’t stomach the defeat of terrorism.
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