Former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National List MP Gevindu Cumaratunga has delivered a powerful message on the 17th anniversary of Sri Lanka's military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), emphasizing that the tremendous sacrifices made by the nation's armed forces must not be forgotten or rendered meaningless.
Speaking yesterday (19th), Cumaratunga highlighted the critical responsibility that falls upon legislative representatives to safeguard and preserve the country's unitary status – a principle that was defended at great cost during the decades-long conflict that ended in May 2009.
Honoring Military Victory and Sacrifice
The former parliamentarian's remarks come at a significant time as Sri Lanka commemorates nearly two decades since the conclusion of one of the world's longest-running civil conflicts. The victory over the LTTE in 2009 marked the end of a brutal 26-year war that claimed thousands of lives and displaced countless families across the island nation.
Cumaratunga paid glowing tribute to the armed forces who demonstrated exceptional courage and determination in bringing the devastating conflict to its conclusion. His acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the human cost of preserving national unity and territorial integrity.
The significance of this anniversary extends beyond mere commemoration – it represents a pivotal moment when Sri Lanka reclaimed its sovereignty over the entire island, ending the de facto partition that had existed in the northern and eastern provinces under LTTE control.
Legislative Responsibility and National Unity
Central to Cumaratunga's message is the emphasis on legislative responsibility in maintaining the unitary character of the Sri Lankan state. This responsibility encompasses not only current parliamentarians but extends to all those who have served or will serve in representative capacities.
The unitary status of Sri Lanka has been a cornerstone of the nation's constitutional framework, ensuring that the country remains undivided and governed under a single administrative system. This principle was directly challenged during the height of the LTTE insurgency, when the organization sought to establish a separate Tamil state in the northern and eastern regions.
The former MP's call serves as both a reminder and a warning that the political gains achieved through military victory must be consolidated and protected through sound governance and legislative vigilance.
Contemporary Relevance and Challenges
Cumaratunga's statement carries particular weight in the current political climate, where Sri Lanka continues to navigate complex ethnic relations and ongoing discussions about devolution of power. The balance between maintaining national unity while addressing legitimate grievances of all communities remains a delicate challenge for successive governments.
The emphasis on protecting the unitary status reflects ongoing concerns about potential constitutional changes or political arrangements that might compromise the territorial integrity that was restored through the 2009 military victory.
His remarks also underscore the importance of political leadership in honoring the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the conflict, including members of the security forces, police, and civilian populations who suffered during the prolonged period of violence.
Legacy of the 2009 Victory
The 17th anniversary of the LTTE's defeat represents more than a military milestone – it symbolizes the restoration of democratic governance across the entire island and the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lankan history. The victory enabled the government to extend state services, infrastructure development, and democratic institutions to areas that had been cut off for decades.
However, as Cumaratunga's statement implies, military victory alone is insufficient without the political will and institutional commitment to preserve and build upon those gains. The responsibility of elected representatives extends to ensuring that the peace dividend reaches all communities while maintaining the fundamental principle of national unity.
Moving Forward
The former MP's call for vigilance in protecting the unitary status reflects broader concerns about maintaining the hard-won peace and stability. It serves as a reminder that the sacrifices made by the armed forces created an opportunity for national reconciliation and development that must be carefully nurtured and protected.
As Sri Lanka continues to face various challenges – economic, social, and political – Cumaratunga's message emphasizes that these difficulties must be addressed within the framework of national unity rather than through divisive approaches that might undermine the territorial integrity restored in 2009.
The 17th anniversary thus serves not only as a moment of remembrance but as a call to action for current and future leaders to remain committed to the principles of unity and sovereignty that were defended at such great cost by the nation's armed forces.