Industries ministry secretary T.M.K.B. Abeykoon refuted the claim by the Thera made at a media briefing at Abhayarama temple in Narahenpita yesterday (21).

Gunawansa Thera alleged the cabinet procurement committee had recommended the curtailment by Rs. 100.

It is a shame there is no one to look after the children of 27,000 soldiers who lost their lives and 25,000 others who became permanently disabled to free the country, he said.

Abeykoon, who is chairman of the committee, said that as far as he knew no such proposal had been made.