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Self reliance on defence and the defence
industry
Ben Silva
Setting the Scene.
Sri Lanka is now facing internal and external threats, with some organisations
attempting to create a crisis for their own self interest. Internal
threats to the territorial integrity has been in existence for a considerable
length of time. We have now a Govt. in Sri Lanka, where members are
from all the communities are working together. The Government has recognised
the threat and are prepared to act. How ever the cost of defence is
getting high, without contributing much to the economy. We need to convert
the threat to the country to an opportunity to benefit the country.
The defence industry has to be structured to benefit the country and
also facilitate the development of skills needed in the modern world.
Sri Lanka needs sustainable and affordable systems, procedures and resources
to deal with present and future threats to the country. I believe there
is some manufacturing done locally in the defence industry, and it will
benefit Sri Lanka to have a structured approach. A local defence industry
will enable Sri Lanka to get a foothold into the modern industrial world,
thereby creating many jobs. There is also a need for a Director of communications
to research into and deal with propaganda warfare and misinformation
by LTTE and incorrect reports by NGO’s. Sri Lanka could get help
from Israel and also look into the structure of the defence industry
of Israel.
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Case for self reliance on defence.
1.Desire by some foreign countries to get a foothold in Sri Lanka with
a view to overriding her unity and integrity.
2. Veiled threats by some NGO’s about the possibility of intervention.
3. Insurgency receiving funds from overseas.
4. Insurgency creating death and destruction in Sri Lanka.
5. Threats to our national sovereignty.
6. The indigenous Sinhalese, a global minority, need to be protected
from genocide, from total extinction, by the incomparably vast, global
Tamil majority, specifically by the LTTE. (Ack. SLUNA)
7. To get back the self respect and dignity of the Sri Lankans so that
they can work in high technology areas as opposed to working as domestics
overseas.
8. To save money paid on commission.
9. To save money spent on foreign arms purchase.
10. To create employment opportunities.
11. To develop infrastructure.
Throughout our history, we have seen that many times we suffered from
foreign invasions. Our civilisation and irrigation system were destroyed
by foreign war lords.
Even during the recent history, we have been invaded. We should have
learnt from history to be self reliant on defence. Unfortunately, we
have not learnt the lesson.
One benefit we have from the visits of foreigners is the multicultural
and ethnic diversity we have.
Powerful nations or groups of nations may not listen to our case, even
when we give reasons. Even if rational arguments are given, they will
simply ignore it. In a recent case Mr Evans was doing ground work for
invasion.
The best way to defend our country is to be prepared to defend the
country in an affordable and sustainable manner.
In the past commissions received and corruption may have actually prevented
local talent being used to develop our defence industry. Now we need
to look at national interests and not the interest of a few that receive
commission. We now have a President and a team with a vision. All ethnic
groups in Sri Lanka need to work together to over come the fundamental
problems faced by the country:
Terrorism
Poverty
Disease
Malnutrition
Illiteracy
lack of quality housing, education and infrastructure.
I believe some Tamils may have to move away from thinking in terms
of a racist agenda and think in terms of humans. We as citizens of Sri
Lanka, must learn to work together, so that everyone can live with dignity.
We have to support weaker members of the society of any ethnicity,
to over come the basic problems. Unfortunately some of our do good,
Human right activists, put their blind folds on and make the problems
worse, by supporting terrorists and opposing the Government.
If we are self reliant on defence and our prepared to fight a war ,
then, it is likely that we do not have to fight a war that cost lives.
How ever, if we are not prepared, then we do end up fighting and then
we lose lives.
I do not think Sri Lankans want war with anybody and Sri Lankans should
have the right to defend itself and should have the freedom to select
its partners.
Many countries spend substantial resources on procurement, maintenance
and training of their armies in order to deter a war and, if necessary,
be prepared for a possible major attack against them. Major wars are
rare, their timing is difficult to predict, their scale exhibits very
large variability over time and geographical area and the opposing armies
may use technologies and equipment that are different, sometimes vastly
so. In the case of Sri Lanka, threat to national security and integrity
from LTTE is obvious, and yet many do not seem to see it.
In the case of Sri Lanka, it is relatively easy to see the benefits
of expenditure on self reliant defence system.
The people of Sri Lanka must be made to understand the situation and
the threats to the country through serious and honest discussion. The
example for the sacrifices expected of the people will have to come
from the top. For any nation to survive, the weak has to be protected
and safety nets provided.
If Sri Lanka is to have self respect, dignity, a capacity to deal with
internal and external threats, face challenges to the survival of Sinhalese,
then it must have its own defence capability.
Do we have the skills ?
Persons such as Dr Kulasinha, Mr Rampala have shown it is possible
to develop local skills and technology. The biggest problem we may face
is administrators and others who may have a negative attitude. Sri Lankans
must change their mind set and give our young people all the support
they need, as they are our future. Countries such as UK give the maximum
support to individuals so that they can achieve their full potential.
Sri Lanka must think in the same way. Govt. officials must consider
innovative entrepreneurs or employed Engineers as their customers and
provide help and support.
· We need to look at how skills, individuals and teams are to
be developed to achieve self reliance on defence.
· We need to identify the skills and knowledge needed and take
action to deliver plans to meet the needs.
· Evaluate the outcomes of training and progress towards needs.
Dr Perera, a recognised technologist, publicly said “whether any
project is nationally or economically important for the country, it
has been the practice that some government officials usually try to
block them “ Aseantribune.
What is important now is to get a structure and make start. It is important
to think big, take small steps and make a start.
General comments
We also need a fairer society, with help given to the poor and the
disadvantaged.
Survival of Sri Lanka , lies in being able to identify and deal with
internal and external threats. The law of nature is “Survival of
the fittest “. Never forget that. We have to be prepared to defend
our country so that you that we can survive. We should not depend on
others for our defence. Give Sri Lankans the opportunities to develop.
Create a structure for the defence industry and have a sensible person
in charge. We cannot spend a fortune on defence. That is why we need
a home made defence industry. Sri Lanka need to do some strategic thinking
and strategic planning regarding the future of Sri Lanka.
Benefits to Sri Lanka from a local defence industry
Benefits to the economy
· creation of jobs and development of skills
· creation of high tech industries.
· creation of jobs and development of skills associated with
infrastructure
· development of infrastructure
Benefits to Engineers:
Development of Skills and knowledge
Development of project management skills
Development of resource management skills
Development of thinking and creativity skills
Development of design skills
Employment opportunities for Engineers and technicians
Vision statement
Sri Lanka may face internal or external
threats that would adversely affect its freedom and its peaceful existence.
Now this statement is realistic, as
Sri Lanka suffered invasions from south India and also invasions from
European countries. It also suffered from JVP and LTTE armed rebellions.
In the case of LTTE it looks more like racist empire building.
Mission statement
To provide and develop means to deal
and eliminate internal or external threats.
Finance for the venture
Initial capital for the venture may from the Govt. say $15 million,
say savings made from one war plane. Regular income for the venture
could come from a National lottery, with the name “Lanka Lotto”
or “Defence Lotto “ or some other suitable name. Some fraction
of the revenue could go to support the dependants of soldiers that made
the ultimate sacrifice and also to support disabled soldiers.
Income from farming activities
I believe Israel armed forces do this type of activity.
This will enable, security services Personnel to acquire skills that
would be useful in civilian life.
Income from fisheries activities
Extension of (2) above.
This will enable, security services Personnel to acquire skills that
would be useful in civilian life.
Provide security and information activities at sea.
Some points when thinking of a strategy
Start with a small step but think big.
More wisdom, when more than one person thinks
development of mutually beneficial long term alliances
Collaboration using the internet
Initial facilities may be shared with Govt Engineers workshops and
other High Technology centres, Universities.
Activities that could be handled by the local defence industry
Meeting short term requirements of Sri Lankan armed forces.
Participation in manufacturing using existing capabilities
Investigate future needs in terms of skills and equipment
Arrange for training needs and arrange to develop/purchase needs
Investigating industrial collaboration opportunities
Possible operational methods
1. Defence requirements to be formulated by the armed forces and specifications
produced by them.
2. Then expert Group ( from R&D, Manufacturing, IESL others to
decide on the
best means to deliver )
3 Foreign Collaboration, partnership with a number of different countries
to build up alliances.
Possible contributions from Sri Lanka
Electronics
1.With the existence of Aurhur C Institute there should be sufficient
expertise to make useful contributions.
2 Software development as Sri Lanka has a healthy software industry.
3 Manufacturing. (Sri Lanka could benefit from a flexible manufacturing
facility)and perhaps many other ways.
References
1. http://the-atc.org/c07/wrapup/pdf/presentations/C1.murad.bayar.pdf
2. http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/PUB749.pdf
3. http://people.commerce.ubc.ca/phd/mantin/index_files/Mantin%20&%20Tishler%20DPE%20October%202004.pdf
4. http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items07/220507-5.html
5. http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items07/010907-11.html
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