Maha Sivarathri gift for ex-LTTEers

Suraj A Bandara

Around one hundred and six rehabilitated former LTTE combatants were handed over to their relatives as a part of the Maha Shivarathri celebrations yesterday.

Most of them had qualified in a vocation during the rehabilitation period and they received their certificates for the successful completion of the vocational training at a colourful event that showcased their talents in the midst of a large crowd. Rehabilitation Commissioner Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe told the Daily News that this group of former LTTE cadres were reunited with their families due to the Maha Shivarathri celebrations and make them reunited with their family members.

All female rehabilitated cadres received their pre-school teaching certificates at a ceremony at the Vavuniya Cultural hall as part of the event.

Brig Ranasinghe said they will engage in their professions after the reunion with their relatives. Pre-Montessori teachers will get their employments according to their qualifications soon, he said.

According to the Brigadier, these LTTErs were released after being rehabilitated at the Poonthoddam Rehabilitation Centre.

All others under rehabilitation will also be released after the completion of their rehabilitation and their vocational training, he said.