The Finance Minister, Gordon Lilo has come out strong at recent criticisms by the opposition leader, Fred Fono, on the Prime Minister.

"The delayed visit of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to tsunami affected areas was due to important Cabinet meetings" Mr Lilo said. "Mr. Fono should refrain from making such insensitive statements"

The acting Prime Minister says in the last two weeks, Opposition MPs of both provinces have been in close liaison with Cabinet, the National Disaster Council and the Office of the Prime Minister.

He says government had already sent a delegation of senior officers to carry out assessments of the disaster area, a day after the disaster.