June 30, Colombo: Sri Lanka government is to recruit an additional 50,000 to the Tri-Forces and the Police to strengthen the nation's security following the end of hostilities.

Defence Spokesman, Keheliya Rambukwella addressing the media briefing today said that the government has no wish to demobilize the forces personnel.

Rambukwella pointed out that the government has freed an area of around 16,000 sq km that LTTE held under their control and it is vital that the government expand the security forces to secure and protect the region.

Defence Spokesman commended the Navy for playing a huge role due to the fact that Sri Lanka is an island and the ocean administration and protection is primarily done by the naval troops.

Commenting on the cost of the war Minister Rambukwella said nearly 28%-30% of the GDP of the country was spent on the war in the past few years.

He said that the government forces have not only destroyed the military power of the LTTE but also the infrastructure of the LTTE including over billions of dollars worth equipment that the LTTE smuggled in to the country.

However. he expressed optimism that after the eradication of LTTE terrorism it is possible for the government to increase the tourism in the country as well as to develop maritime, fisheries and agricultural industries within few years. The Minister expects the cost of the war to fall to around 15-12% when the GDP increases in the next few years.