Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: History / War History / Political Analysis

Book Review:
Getting Serendib Back: The Difficult Journey is a stirring and meticulously researched account of Sri Lanka's long and painful journey to end its decades-long civil war. Author Rashantha de Alwis-Seneviratne has crafted a narrative that honors the sacrifices of those who fought and died to free the country from LTTE terrorism, while also reminding readers of the responsibility of the living to ensure that those sacrifices were not in vain.

The book spans more than a decade of political and military efforts, covering the strategic decisions, military operations, and individual acts of heroism that led to the eventual defeat of the LTTE. The author pays tribute to the ''thousands of innocent victims of every ethnicity'' and to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Among the stories included are those of Lieutenant Colonel Muthalif, who was killed along with 80 of his comrades; Corporal Gamini Kularatne, a Buddhist priest who disrobed to join the army and died saving his men; and Captain Ajith Gamage, a three-time decorated officer who was killed while rescuing civilians.

The book also highlights the humanitarian efforts carried out by the same soldiers after the conflict ended. A letter from the Head of the ICRC Delegation praised the rescue operations, stating that they ''demonstrated that soldiering is a noble profession.''

This book is a valuable contribution to the history of Sri Lanka's civil war and is recommended for anyone interested in military history, Sri Lankan politics, or the human cost of conflict.