Ex-LTTE cadres well looked after - IOM Chief

Former LTTE combatants at rehabilitation centres were well-looked after and there had been no complaints, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka, Richard Danziger said.

Addressing the media at the IOM Colombo Office, on the eve of the International Migrants’ Day, Richard Danziger said that the IOM has provided an opportunity for the ex-LTTE combatants to reintegrate into the civilian society by providing job opportunities and training in different vocations. “We are helping the ex-combatants to return to society and re-integrate with their families as some of them are breadwinners,” he added.

Responding to a query, the IOM Head said there seemed to be no cases of ill-treatment and the program was being conducted at a satisfactory level.

The IOM had commenced a program to help those rehabilitated even before the war came to an end in the North, he said.

With regard to funding, Danziger said that the USA and the Netherlands had been helping the IOM, but it needed more funding.

He said that it was important to ensure that the migrants enjoyed their rights.

“The Sri Lankan migrants overseas have contributed a lot to the country’s economy,” he pointed out.

When questioned about the Sri Lankans who had tried to enter other countries illegally and were deported, he said: “You cannot stop migration, but Sri Lanka has upgraded border management and we were working closely with the Government.” Courtesy: President’s Media Unit