UNP pledges to increase the minimum wage for the soldiers

Sri Lanka Army (SLA) commander, Lt Gen Sarath Fonseka announced on Monday that at least 13,000 Tamil Tigers were killed by the security forces.

Quoting government estimates, United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake said 583 billion rupees were spent for the war since 02 April 2004.

If the Sri Lankan military chief's estimates are to be trusted, Mr. Karunananayake said, 42 million rupees were spent to kill one Tamil Tiger.

'Alternative budget'

The UNP parliamentarian made the remarks presenting 'alternative budget proposals'.

Attracting one million tourists within 18 months was among the alternative budget proposals.

	Gen Fonseka said 13,000 LTTE members were already killed

Answering a question by BBC Sandeshaya as to whether the UNP plans to establish a truce with the LTTE to attract tourists, the MP said the calculations were based on government's pledge that the war would be over by the end of the year.

"The government admits that a political solution is needed. Our proposals are based on that pledge," he said.

While pledging to increase the salary of public sector workers by Rs. 7500, the UNP's 'alternative budget' proposed a minimum wage of Rs. 40,000 for soldiers.

A future UNP government, Mr. Karunanayake said, would reduce the 'burden' of 110 ministers to 35 ministers.

"Savings will be utilised for security development," he said.

The Sri Lankan government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa is due to present it's budget proposals for the next year on Thursday.

International Monetary Fund has warned Sri Lanka to cut down on state expenditure.

A significant proportion of Sri Lanka's state expenditure is spent on defence.