Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake yesterday scotched speculation that the security contingent of Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Sarath Fonseka had been slashed by the government.

Responding to a question by Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera the Premier said there were reports about the removal of Sinha Regiment soldiers from the security squad of Gen. Fonseka. Citing media report, Mr.Perera said these soldiers had been replaced with new ones from other regiments and asked the government to explain what had happened.

Mr. Wickramanayake said there was no curtailment of Gen. Fonseka’s security. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake told parliament yesterday that of some 1.5 million mines buried in the northern province,  an area of 40 square kilometres had already been demined.

Starting the debate on the extension of the emergency, the Premier said these death traps had been set in an area of 500 square kilometres encompassing Jaffna, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya.

“For the demining operations, we get enormous assistance from international personalities and organizations,” he said.

Mr. Wickramanayake said there were still some elements who supported LTTE terrorism.

He said the world appeared to be divided into two factions.

“One faction takes position that the independence of a country should be respected and protected while the other faction holds the view that they are the super power. They disturb the independence of a country,” he said.

The Premier noted that war heroes made a great sacrifice in achieving freedom that’s being enjoyed by Sri Lanka today.

 “They were never concerned about the safety of their lives even in this exercise,” he said.

 “Some people have forgotten this matter. These elements raise concern about their salaries and try to slow down the progress of the country,” he said.

He also said it was time now for all to unite shedding any differences in the greater interest of the country.