USAID launches new program

US Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a new program to help former combatants in the Eastern Province to reintegrate into society providing equipment and supplies to start their own small businesses.

Around 1000 former combatants were brought into the program from Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ampara Districts, the US Embassy in Colombo said in a press release yesterday.

The release adds: Chief Minister of the Eastern Province Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, participated in the event in Batticaloa.

USAID, the development agency of the U.S. Government is funding the two-year pilot project to facilitate the reintegration of 1000 former fighters in Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara districts.

USAID Mission Director Rebecca Cohn stated, “This project will play an important role in helping post-conflict communities return to normalcy by creating opportunities for former fighters to get the training and support they need to start new lives and build secure futures. With this support, these men and women have the chance to change their lives, set new goals and dream new dreams”.