By NNN-Govt Portal,
Colombo : While the rejecting the possibility of entering into a ceasefire agreement with the LTTE at this point, the General Secretary of the SLFP, Maithripala Sirisena said that the Government has clarified its position in this regard on numerous occasions and the LTTE should lay down weapons as a precondition prior to the Government considering such a request.
The minister made this statement while participating in the budget debate today.
Responding to a query in Parliament, Mr. Sirisena noted that economic development and progress all sectors in the country is directly linked with national security.
The Government has a clear agenda to develop the nation whilst combating the menace of terrorism, the minister said, adding that the victories of the heroic security forces during the past three years have effectively rebuffed arguments that claimed the Government was not capable of defeating the LTTE rebels.
He also noted that President Rajapaksa has proposed a development-oriented budget that has the potential to develop the national economy while mitigating the global food and financial crisis.