Forces' critics indirectly helping LTTE - Minister

KOTTE: Environment and Natural Resources Minister Champika Ranawaka said those who criticise the Armed Forces were indirectly helping the LTTE to continue with its brutal terrorist atrocities.

Speaking during the Budget debate in Parliament on Tuesday, the Minister said: "Our hezoic Forces are moving forward to eliminate terrorism". "Those who criticise our Armed Forces indirectly help the LTTE to conduct its brutal terrorist atrocities. Our heroic war heroes are moving forward to eliminate the LTTE terrorism.

"Thousands of innocent people are used by the LTTE as the human shield. Our Forces are moving forward without causing any harm to them.

The Government is trying to rescue the innocent Tamil people from the clutches of the LTTE.

Therefore, everybody should extend their support to pass this Budget. The Government is of the view that terrorism should be defeated.

Anybody can change this Government's direction". The Minister also said only 38 per cent of the economy is controlled by the Government. The balance is controlled by the private sector and other stakeholders, he said.

"We have been able to identify the importance of the Sinharaja Forest. The allocations made to the environment sector should be evaluated with proper sense.

This Budget has been presented at a time when the country has reached an important juncture", Ranawaka said.