Ex-LTTE cadres integrated into society

Priyanka KURUGALA

The Rehabilitation Authority has taken steps to integrate former LTTE cardres into society with immediate effect. The authority has given priority to young former LTTE cardres in this exercise, Prison Reforms and Rehabilitation Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera told the Daily News.

A number of rehabilitated former LTTE cardres and those who are ill have been released by now. Around 2,700 former young LTTE cardres are being rehabilitated in six rehabilitation centres in the country. The ministry has taken steps to conduct this rehabilitation programme successfully, he said.

"On the other hand we are giving them a good education to prepare them for the Advanced Level examination and vocational training.

"Along with these educational programmes, the ministry has taken steps to teach them subjects, such as, music, dancing and the arts. There are five students in these camps who were able to obtain marks that qualified them for Medical College and the engineering Faculty," the minister said.

The Rehabilitation Authority has graded these youths and according to their aptitude, has taken steps to provide vocational training based on their individual abilities. Computer training, carpentry, masonry and other vocational training are given by the Authority, he said.