Former combatants to be re-integrated into society to mark President’s anniversary

Rehabilitated former Tamil Tiger cadres are to be released to mark the anniversary of the President’s assumption of office.

Commissioner General for Rehabilitation, Major General Chandana Rajaguru has said that 50 former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) members will be re-integrated into the society at a ceremony in Jaffna to celebrate the anniversary.

He has said that the ceremony would be organised towards the end of the month. He has added that there are currently 680 former LTTE members in the rehabilitation centres in the country.

According to Major General Rajaguru, the individuals being rehabilitated are those recommended by courts.

The former combatants receive training in vocational skills before their release through the programs organised by Sri Lanka military to earn a living on their own once released.

During and immediately after the final phase of the war 11,700 LTTE cadres have surrendered to the government security forces.

Sri Lanka has allocated Rs.750 million for the rehabilitation process for this year.

The government says it has spent Rs. 2.5 billion on the rehabilitation of ex-LTTE cadres since the conclusion of the conflict in May 2009. (Colombo Page)