𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒍 ( දුක් ගන්නා රාළ )

Just before I sat down to write, the familiar and stirring tune of the beloved song “Puthune Me Ahaganna Puthune” echoed through my mind, its gentle melody tugging at the heartstrings. And I thought, why not begin with a song and perhaps end with one too? In the grand scale of the world, Sri Lanka is but a small island, just over 25,000 square miles in size, home to less than three percent of the global population. Yet, if someone were to ask you what our island’s greatest contribution to the world has been, this is what we must proudly say: We did what many thought impossible. We militarily defeated a terrorist organization on the battlefield—a group once feared and described as one of the most ruthless and invincible forces in the modern world. It was a battle hard-fought, and ultimately, a victory well-earned. We, the people of Sri Lanka, have shown the world that with political will, decisive leadership, and the courage of a dedicated armed force , any nation, big or small, ca...