Overseas jobs for LTTE deserters

Ranil Wijayapala

COLOMBO: The Government will assist LTTE cadres deserting its ranks and surrendering to the Security Forces by offering them foreign employment after they are provided a few months of rehabilitation and vocational training.

Government Defence Spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said these youth will be provided jobs under a programme initiated by the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation in coordination with the Skills Development Ministry.

"The Commissioner General of Rehabilitation will conduct a rehabilitation programme for the surrenderers who will be provided with jobs with the coordination of the Skills Development Ministry," the Minister added.

"They will be offered jobs in countries like Korea and Malaysia," Rambukwella added.

The Minister pointed out that a large number of LTTE cadres who escaped from LTTE camps have surrendered to the Security Forces within the past few days and they will be provided with their normal requirements under this programme.

"Through this programme we will cater to their normal requirements enjoyed by the other youth of the country," Rambukwella said.

He said the programme has already commenced and a number of surrendees are already being rehabilitated.

Within the past four days, 27 LTTE cadres surrendered to the Security Forces with the largest number, 16, surrendering to the Selvanagar and Mahindapura camps on Monday.

A few months ago the Government appealed to young LTTE cadres to surrender to nearest Police stations in their areas and Security Forces camps.

Following this appeal, more than 60 cadres gave themselves up to the Security Forces.

According to Army statistics more than 500 LTTE cadres have surrendered to the Security Forces following the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement.