It is the accusation of the Tamil people that the government is not committed for political settlement or a political approach. But President Rajapakse’s government categorically denies all such accusations. The government’s position is that they are only confronting the threats by terrorists. The government says that it believes in a peaceful resolution ultimately.

But this position has been contradicted by the statement made by Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapakse, who is also the brother of President Rajapakse and a powerful figure in the government. His statement makes it clear that the government is interested in a military solution.

Gothabaya Rajapakse has stated that having captured the east from the LTTE the security forces will soon capture Vanni also from the LTTE. They would not let the war to be faced by the future generation. They would bring the war to end.

He has made it clear that the government intends militarily defeating the LTTE that has a role to play in the national issue. It is another matter as to whether it is practical.

But what is obvious is that such statements can ruin all opportunities for peace, peaceful negotiations and peaceful settlements.

He further stated that the LTTE has been making use of international pressure to cover up their defeats during the last three decades. He confirmed that they would not allow such moves in the future.

By saying that, he has made it clear that they were not going to pay any attention to pressure by the international community in regard to their continuation of the military operations.

In fact this can be considered as a message to the international community!.

An English translation of the Editorial in The Sudar Oli, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo

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