Defeating terrorism in Sri Lanka: A Case Study of Military Success

Defeating terrorism in Sri Lanka
Terrorism has plagued countries around the world, causing fear, destruction, and loss of lives. Sri Lanka, a small island nation in South Asia, has had its own share of experiences with terrorism.                              The country faced a brutal and prolonged conflict with the Liberation Tigers ofTamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant group seeking an independent state for the Tamil minority in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. The LTTE's use of suicide bombings, assassinations,
and guerrilla warfare tactics made them a formidable
enemy for the Sri Lankan government.
In the late 2000s,
the Sri Lankan military launched a massive offensive against the LTTE, determined to defeat them once and for all. Despite facing significant challenges, including
accusations of human rights abuses and international
pressure to cease their operations, the Sri Lankan military was able to succeed where others had failed. One of the key reasons for their success was their strategic and tactical approach to combating terrorism.
The Sri Lankan military adopted a multi-pronged strategy
that combined military operations with socio-economic
development in the conflict-affected areas. They focused on winning the hearts and minds of the local population, providing them with much-needed humanitarian assistance and rebuilding infrastructure that had been destroyed by the conflict. This approach helped to weaken the LTTE's support base and deprived them of recruits and resources.
In addition to their strategic approach, the Sri Lankan
military also implemented innovative tactical methods to counter the LTTE's guerrilla tactics. They used
intelligence-driven operations, targeted assassinations of key LTTE leaders, and a combination of ground and air operations to disrupt the LTTE's supply lines and communication networks. This relentless pressure forced the LTTE into a corner, eventually leading to their defeat in May 2009.
The Sri Lankan military's success in defeating terrorism was also due to their effective coordination and cooperation with intelligence agencies, police forces, and other security agencies. This collaboration helped to disrupt the LTTE's operations and prevent them from carrying out large-scale attacks against civilian populations.
The military's ability to adapt and innovate in the face of a changing threat environment was crucial to their success in defeating the LTTE.
While the Sri Lankan military's success in defeating terrorism is commendable, it is important to acknowledge
the challenges and criticisms they have faced. The military has been accused
of human rights abuses, including the shelling of civilian areas and the disappearance of suspected LTTE members.(but not yet proved by the any organisation).
These allegations have effecting  the military's reputation and raised concerns about their commitment to upholding
human rights standards.
In conclusion, the Sri Lankan military's success in defeating terrorism through a combination of strategic, tactical, and methodological approaches serves as a valuable case study for other countries facing similar challenges. By
focusing on winning the hearts and minds of the local population, disrupting the enemy's operations, and collaborating with other security agencies, the Sri Lankan military was able to achieve a decisive victory against the LTTE.   However, it is important for the military to address the human rights concerns and ensure that their operations are conducted in a lawful and ethical manner.       Major General Jaliya Senaratne RWP RSP rtd (Sri Lanka Army)GR.
References:
- DeSilva-Ranasinghe, Sergei. "Sri Lanka's New Approach to
Counterinsurgency." Small Wars Journal, 2009.
- Gunarathna, Rohan. "War and Peace in Sri Lanka: With a
Post-Accord Report From Jaffna." South Asia Journal, 2010.
- Peiris, Jezima. "Sri Lanka's War on Terror: The Story of Two
Eelam Wars." Institute of Strategic Studies and Research,
2012