No choice in defence budget increase:MR

22 November 2011 04:35 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 10 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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The threats to the nation and the country still remain intact though the heroic soldiers who were able to save the mother-land from terrorism and the government had no choice but to set aside the largest amount of funds possible for the defence of the country, from the budget for 2012, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

Delivering the Convocation Address of the ‘General Sir John Kotalawala Defence University’ last afternoon at Temple Trees, President Rajapaksa said there was no end to the challenges confronted by Sri Lanka despite the obliteration of LTTE terrorism two years ago.

“The opposition keeps asking why such a large amount of budgetary allocations has been proposed for the defence ministry. They must realise that while taking measures to face local and global anti-national elements the government has to pay salaries and allowances to the armed forces, provide welfare to Ranaviru families and parents of war heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice for the territorial integrity and peace of the mother-land,” President Rajapajksa emphasised. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)

Comments - 10

rehan Tuesday, 22 November 2011 05:46 PM

very true well said

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Hafsa Tuesday, 22 November 2011 06:40 PM

this country is going downhill.

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tkds Tuesday, 22 November 2011 06:48 PM

During the war didn't they say that once the war is won, they can use a lot of the funds spent on the war to develop the country and give relief to the people especially the rising cost of living?

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jacoob Tuesday, 22 November 2011 07:22 PM

well said .. We could have been better off had we allowed th ewar to darg on, Atleast there would not have been any defence increase.

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Grumpy Tuesday, 22 November 2011 08:00 PM

I understand the President's argument. We should have funds for the welfare of the soldiers. What I dont understand is Hotels, restaurants tours etc. run by the forces - do the funds come from the defence budget? Or do we have a military surplus?

2 26

Hamlet Tuesday, 22 November 2011 11:05 PM

Does this mean that Sri Lanka has not won the Peace as yet?

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Nodrog Wednesday, 23 November 2011 01:01 AM

seems like its more expensive to maintain peace than to fight for peace. Hard to fathom!!

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namal999 Wednesday, 23 November 2011 04:20 AM

hahahaha

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Nodrog Wednesday, 23 November 2011 06:34 AM

Jacoob - Short-sighted statement. What about the loss of lives? At least now we can all move around in peace without fear of bombs.

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lanka raj Wednesday, 23 November 2011 01:22 PM

Those who helped the mother land must be given.politician or forces. But not at the expenses of the common people as we too helped our motherland doing our duties perfectly.

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