7000 more soldiers needed to end war - PM

[TamilNet, Sunday, 25 February 2001, 17:30 GMT]
"About 3500 youths have been enlisted in the Army in the recent days following a request by the government. The enlistment of 7000 others in three-year period would help to end the war," said Sri Lanka's Prime Minister (PM) Mr. Ratnasiri Wickremanayake Sunday while addressing a gathering after declaring open a new operating theatre in the army hospital in Colombo. The operating theatre has been constructed at a cost of 6.2 million rupees by the institutions coming under the Plantation Ministry.

"Security forces have been provided with all facilities to continue the war. However, the troops are short of manpower," said the Premier and appealed to the public to join the soldiers to fight the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

The Prime Minister also requested the public to donate money to equip the operating theatre which will need an additional 3 million rupees.

Lieutenant General Lionel Balagalle, Army Commander, and other senior officials attended the function.

Mr. Ratnasiri Wickremanayake holds the portfolio of the Plantation Ministry in addition to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana Affairs.