Plans to rehabilitate ex-LTTE cadre

by P.Krishnaswamy

Deputy Minister of Justice and Law Reforms V.Putthirisigamoney told the `Sunday Observer' that the Ministry was in the process of formulating long term plans to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society over 10,000 ex-LTTE combatants who are now housed in separate welfare camps in Vavuniya and other places.

A high level meeting attended by Ministers, the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation and senior ministry officials is to be held shortly to discuss immediate measures that need to be initiated in this regard, he also said.

Vocational training, educational programs, educational facilities, trauma counselling and provision of suitable employment opportunities will be main areas for the rehabilitation of the ex-LTTE cadres, he stated.Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Maj.Gen.Daya Rajapaksa said that they were now at the planning stage and would soon begin the rehabilitation process in coordination with the relevant ministries, donors and financial support groups.

Deputy Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Modastus Fernando, said that the Bureau of Rehabilitation was concentrating on capacity building, including recruitment of an adequate number of professionals and staff, logistic arrangements and acquiring a suitable place with buildings and all facilities, for housing the rehabilitation centre.