Civilians should not panic in the face of terrorist activities as that is just what the LTTE wants to gain its own ends, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said yesterday at a ceremony in Pittakotte. He told journalists that the terrorists killed two Wildlife Department officers on Tuesday to provoke fear among the general public.

He believed that the public should not give in to the tactics of terrorists but work for the betterment of the country especially to improve the tourism sector. Ranawaka said that public will have to undergo some difficulties when the LTTE is on its last lap. He was confident that terrorism will be wiped out of the country within the course of this year.

During his recent visits to the Yala, Wasgomuwa and Uda Walawe National Parks, he instructed that security in the vicinity should be increased and police posts set up in some places.