Economy sound amidst war, recession

Rafik JALALDEEN

Certain political parties are blaming the Government for the cost of the war and the current economic crisis, for political gain underestimating the humanitarian operation conducted by the Security Forces, said Minister Keheliya Rambukwella addressing the media yesterday at the Media Centre for National Security.

The Government allocated Rs.350 billion for Defence expenditure during the last two and half years.

However, he said, the cost is a small fraction of the amount spent during the last three decades in fighting terrorism.

The LTTE caused huge damage to the economy during the last three decades but no Government was able to defeat terrorism.

"LTTE cadres attacked economic nerve centres such as the Central Bank, BIA and several other places.

The expenditure of Rs.350 billion for defence during the last two and half years was worth it, if we compare the damage caused to the LTTE in the past and how this will efect the economy in the future if the LTTE is not defeated," Minister Rambukwella stressed.

He said it is significant to observe the economic growth achieved by the country while the Security Forces are in the last phase of the operations to defeat terrorism.

"The world is under economic crisis, including some world economic giants.

"We should be happy we were able to minimise the impact of the global economic crisis on our country while we are fighting against terrorism," he added.

Minister Rambukwella asserted that the salary bill of three forces were Rs.92 billion in 2003. It has increased to Rs.251 billion in 2009.

The increase in the salary bill was due to additional recruitment and salaries vary depending on the areas troops are assigned to.

However, he said certain political parties are blaming the government for alleged mismanagement of the defence sector, corruption and other charges without any proof while ignoring the achievements of the Security Forces.