Sri Lanka must face its real threats and its unfinished past Govt. must stop the blame game and protect the nation

By Ali Sabry, former Minister of Foreign Affairs  

Recent events in the United Kingdom, where JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva was met with coordinated protests by pro-LTTE separatist groups, should serve as a wake-up call to the Government of Sri Lanka. These demonstrations were not isolated disruptions. They were a clear reminder that the global LTTE-aligned separatist machinery remains active, organised, and strategically focused.   

For decades, certain political actors have operated under the naïve assumption that distancing themselves from previous governments, shifting blame, or striking a softer tone would somehow earn them goodwill from separatist movements abroad. That illusion must now end. Those who advocate separatism are driven by ideology, not by which administration is in office. They will protest any Sri Lankan leader who stands for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation.   

The Government must understand this clearly and urgently.   

Stop the Blame Game. Protect the Nation 

Sri Lanka cannot afford a political culture where governments try to internationalize domestic issues to score points against opponents. That strategy has only weakened our national position globally while emboldening extremist groups abroad.   

Instead, the responsibility of the State any State is simple,   

Protect the Sri Lankan nation. Uphold national security. Safeguard unity   

At home, we must treat all citizens equally, Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, without fear or favour. Justice must be even-handed, not politically convenient. Only then can we build trust within our borders while resisting pressure from outside.   

Facing the Past with Courage: TRC Is the Only Viable Path Sri Lanka cannot run away from its past any longer. Confronting painful chapters, honestly and transparently, is not a concession to anyone. It is a responsibility to our own people, especially: Victims of LTTE terror, Families of missing persons, Survivors on all sides, Soldiers who fought to protect the nation and Innocent civilians caught in the crossfire   

A credible Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is not just a policy option. It is the only meaningful path to clarity, closure, accountability, and healing.   

Without our own domestic mechanism, we will remain trapped in the cycle of external investigations, allegations, resolutions, and endless political pressure. A transparent and credible TRC is the only shield that can protect both our armed forces and the nation from perpetual international scrutiny.   

Responsibility of Tamil Political Leadership 

Reconciliation is a two-way street. Tamil political leadership must also act realistically and responsibly. They cannot expect the State to release convicted LTTE operatives, including those found guilty of heinous crimes such as the Central Bank bombing that killed and maimed innocent civilians, while simultaneously calling for international tribunals against the very armed forces that ended the LTTE’s reign of terror.   

This double standard does not contribute to justice, it deepens mistrust and polarisation  

If Sri Lanka is to move forward, Tamil parties must show genuine commitment to a workable, fair, and sustainable solution, not one shaped by pressure from external separatist elements.   

A Message to Southern Hardliners 

Hardliners in the south must also understand:   

Ignoring the past is not patriotism—it is political short-sightedness.   

Without a credible domestic mechanism, Sri Lanka will be perpetually vulnerable to international accusations targeting: our armed forces, Our political leaders, Our entire nation.   

A genuine, transparent effort to address grievances is the only way to protect those who fought for this country from being unfairly demonised on the global stage.   

President AKD & the Government: The Responsibility Is Now Yours 

You are no longer the critics. You are the custodians of the State.   

The people elected you not to comment on problems, but to solve them. Not to analyse challenges, but to confront them. Not to lecture from the sidelines, but to lead with courage and clarity.   

The ball is now in your court   

Deliver, or perish, as history has shown many times before. Sri Lanka has no time left for experiments, excuses, or ideological fantasies. The world is watching, and the separatist movements are already mobilised.   

Conclusion 

Sri Lanka’s future depends on two parallel commitments:   

1. A firm, unwavering defence of our sovereignty, especially against separatist extremism abroad.   

2. A courageous, domestic truth-seeking process that heals wounds, counters global pressure, and brings justice to all communities.   

This is the only path to a united, secure, and dignified Sri Lanka   

History will repeat itself if we refuse to learn from it. But if we act with clarity and courage, this moment can become a turning point—for the better.