Rehabilitation of ex-LTTE cadres, not highlighted in Geneva

by S. Thillainathan

Although several anti-government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and certain countries supporting the American Resolution spread falsehoods and untruths about the Sri Lankan Government’s human rights record at the Geneva Human Rights Conference, no one is aware of the good work the Government is doing to rehabilitate former LTTE cadres and provide a livelihood to them.

The Civil Security Department is doing a yeomen service for those affected by terrorism and ill-treated by the LTTE at the Viswamadu Camp.

The Commanding Officer of the Viswamadu Civil Security Headquarters, Lt. Col. W.W. Ratnapriya is running this camp with 3,500 ex-LTTE cadres and LTTE sympathisers.

This officer has become a role model for all of them by his exemplary character and humanitarian approach. He told the Sunday Observer that he serves the people on the guidance and direction of the Director General of the Civil Security Department Rear Admiral Ananda Pieris.

He has set up different sections to develop Oriental and Western Dancing, Karnatic Music and specialises in Bharatha Nattyam at the camp.

Lt. Col. Ratnapriya also runs 12 farms, paddy, maize, groundnut, cashew and several other pulses are cultivated in these farms.

The camp sells these products. He has also opened 250 montessori schools in the area with his 400-staff to teach children of personnel of the Civil Defence Force.

The 3,500 persons employed by the Civil Defence Force receive a monthly salary of Rs.19,500. Lt. Col. Ratnapriya said that the 100 montessori teachers are paid Rs.19,500 per month by the Civil Security Department.