New lease of life for LTTE youth

Youth were first asked to come to public playgrounds in conflict areas carrying broomsticks and they were told by the LTTE how to hold guns. The youth were then directed to LTTE training camps where they were trained in the use of firearms.

For over two decades this was the sad plight the youth had to undergo and they had no option other than to bow down to the LTTE brutality and pray to god. However with the ending of the conflict they have been given a new lease of life and hope for the future.

After the war it was said that over 10,000 LTTE cadres surrendered to the Security Forces and it was up to the government to look after their welfare.

In today's world for a person to think and act freely and to have peace of mind, a source of income is essential and the government, Security Forces and private sector organisations have understood this need.

The Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCISL) as a part of their social responsibility launched the CHEER project to provide three hundred children of war a new lease of life by providing them with a vocational training of their choice in a construction industry related field.

Two hundred and forty male beneficiaries followed programs on welding, carpentry, electrical wiring and masonry while sixty female beneficiaries followed the training.

One hundred and twenty more beneficiaries are currently being trained and the project anticipate training five hundred by the end of October this year.

Each training course carries an 100 hour training and comprises of theory and practice of the respective fields. In addition, the beneficiaries are also provided with a session of counselling and positive thinking.

A wedding pageant organised by the trainees

Some of the participants

A practical session in carpentry

The certificates which carry international recognition are jointly awarded by the Handwerkskammer Koblenz Germany, National Construction Association of Sri Lanka and FCCISL. These beneficiaries will also receive on the job training under Army Engineers.

On the completion of their rehabilitation they will be re-integrated to the society under the direction and supervision of the Bureau of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation.

FCCISL President, Kosala Wickramanayake commenting on this achievement said that FCCISL was pleased to be involved in this important national endeavour and to formally build capacity of these young beneficiaries to pursue their choice of economic activity. He thanked OXFAM GB and EU- ACAP project for providing guidance and financial assistance for this initiative and all other stakeholders for their valuable contribution.

CHEER Project is directly supervised by Dr. Thusitha Tennakoon, Secretary General of FCCISL under the guidance of President Kosala Wickramanayake and the Board of Directors of FCCISL.

Vijith Wijithamuni Zoysa Deputy Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms who was the Chief Guest at the ceremony to award certificates to 180 FCCISL CHEER trained children in Vavuniya told those who rehabilitated to lead a peaceful life and contribute to the development of the country.

He said that Sri Lanka has the best rehabilitation centre in the world and Government would do everything possible to make the future of those released successful.

Brig. Sudantha Ranasinghe, Commissioner General of Rehabilitation in his address highlighted the importance of vocational training for those rehabilitated so that they can embark on a trained livelihood and thanked FCCISL CHEER for this valuable contribution.

Every rehabilitated person has a specific training program and during the period of rehabilitation they would receive further practical training under the Army Engineers.

On the completion of their rehabilitation they will be re-integrated to society under the direction and supervision of the Bureau of the Commissioner General Rehabilitation.

The trainees would then hold an internationally valid certificate of vocational education, experience certification and certification of clearance from the Sri Lanka Army and are in a position to secure jobs within their communities or even secure jobs overseas with further experience.

"Once re-integrated, the details of the trainees would be available with Bureau of CGR. FCCISL and NCASL networks would support them to explore employment opportunities," Sam Stembo, National Project Director /CHEER said.

Dr. Thusitha Tennakoon, Secretary General of FCCISL emphasised the importance of private sector engagement in efforts of this nature of national importance and said that FCCISL is proud to be associated with the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation.