5 years in retrospect .........!
- Wednesday, 05 March 2014
Exactly five years ago to this day, on 05th March 2009, Lanka News Web, began its journey in cyberspace. 2009 was a year marred by the shedding of blood and tear, and a year that had changed the shape as well as the direction of Sri Lankan politics. The wave of killings that began with the murder of Lasantha Wickramatunga in January in that year reached its climax with the massacre of tens of thousands of Tamil brothers and sisters under the Vesak moon. In a single land, one community's wailing became the applause of joy of another community.
At that moment, LNW appeared on behalf of the repressed and massacred Tamil brethren. Although we had serious criticisms against the LTTE over its inhuman, anti-democratic ways, since the beginning we have clearly and fearlessly been appearing on behalf of the true rights of the Tamil people. Rejecting the Sinhala chauvinism outright, LNW never appeared on behalf of the Tamil chauvinism either. We have come to understand completely that the LTTE and the Tamil people are two different phenomena. Up to now, our media policy was decided on that conclusion. Anyhow, we will bring to our readership news and views about the ideologies of all extremist groups too. We consider that to be the first step towards liberating them from their respective extremism.
The LNW editorial does not entertain any hidden political agenda. We unhesitatingly declare that the most corrupt president will be created tomorrow as long as this executive presidential system remains. It is this system which crowns the proponents of the truth and the brave sons of the Ruhuna as kleptomaniacs. Therefore, which needs to be changed is the system, not the persons. The path to that change lies not through the political parties, but through the strengthening of the Sri Lankan civil society, we firmly believe. It is unavoidable that today's politician friends of ours will become our sworn enemies tomorrow. Our friends forever will be the Sri Lankan citizenry. Our journey with them shoulder-to-shoulder is a very difficult one. Wholeheartedly, we have chosen that journey. The guide-rail in journey through darkness was, is and will continue to be, you - our readership which remains true to us always.
We will turn the international red alerts against our companions of the journey to halt us in our path, to a blessing in disguise. We extend our heartiest gratitude to all for giving us endless encouragements. Also, on this special day we remember with appreciation those comrades who had been with us in the past and are today treading silently on their individual paths, in appreciation of their contributions towards making the LNW a reality.
