State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene says government aims to strengthen both national security and reconciliation.

Minister was speaking on committee stage budget debate. Votes of the ministry of Defence were taken for debate.

The Ministry of Defence has made a large allocation for the security of the country. Minister said, the allocation is not meant for any preparations for a war but for providing necessary facilities for the members of the tri-forces.

More than 3000 acres of land which had been under the control of security forces are now vested to original owners in the North. The Minister added that more than 20,000 persons are still in welfare camps and Sri Lankan Army has built around 130 houses for them. Another 250 houses will be built next year.

State Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe joined the debate on the votes of the Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade. He said the government was able to increase export productions.