Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera said the military would be utilized for what he termed the 'development battle'. 

The Minister made this remark while addressing the launch of the 'Gamperaliya' rural development programme in Moneragala yesterday. 

"The military successfully concluded the battle for peace. All of us are happy about the achievement," the Minister said, alluding to the end of the final phase of war. 

"Now, it is time for the battle for development," the Minister added. 

The current government, however, was critical of the previous government's move to use military for civilian activities. 

Samaraweera's remarks, therefore, sharply contravenes the election pledges of the current ruling alliance.