Govt rejects LTTE claims of economic blockade

Rafik Jalaldeen

COLOMBO: The Government has never used food or civilians as a tool in its battle against terrorism.

Ample food supplies have been sent to the North and further stocks will be dispatched in the near future, Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said. Rambukwella strongly denied claims by the LTTE Peace Secretariat that there is an economic blockade to the Vanni.

“We never use food or civilians as a tool in our fight against terrorism,” he said.

The Government has already sent 96,000 tons of food items to the North and 3,600 tons are to be sent. We supply them food items in abundance,” the Minister added. “It is the responsibility of the Government and the Commander in Chief to ensure the safety and security of the public.

Security has been provided to the public and we are taking necessary measures as and when necessary,” the Minister said.

“Our concern is to protect the civilians from the escalating violence,” he added.