Another batch of child soldiers leaves for Colombo

The second phase of the rehabilitation program of LTTE child soldiers began last Saturday (31/10) in Vavuniya with 67 of them leaving for Colombo to receive a fully fledged education.Accordingly, 44 boys and 23 girls from Punthottem rehabilitation centre will receive their education very shortly in Colombo. Under the first phase of the program. 81 boys and 63 girls were earlier brought to Colombo and attached to Hindu College, Ratmalana.

The fresh batch of these rehabilitated LTTE child soldiers too will join their former colleagues at the same school with all the facilities including lodging, clothing and expenses totally met by the Government.

Co-ordinating Officer in Charge of their rehabilitation Colonel Mangala Goonasinghe said these children received the blessings of their parents before their departure. These parents will also be able to visit them once or twice a month, for which the Government will provide all the facilities.

Those children were full of enthusiasm and were seen breathing the air of freedom when they left Vavuniya.

They said that the President and the Armed Forces have done them a great merit by allowing them to pursue their education in this manner.

The entire program is in progress under the supervision of Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Major General Daya Ratnayake.