Rehabilitated ex-LTTEers for National Sports Squads

Rasika SOMERATNE

A number of talented, rehabilitated ex-LTTEers have been identified as potential candidates for National Sports Squads in several disciplines, following a special programme to identify their skills in sports.

Accordingly five ex-LTTE combatants (shooting), two (Cricket) and one person for Karate have been identified as suitable for further training following tests, the Sports Ministry said.

The tests were conducted at Sri Lanka Navy Range, Welisara sports complex and Khettarama stadium.

Accordingly rehabilitated ex-LTTE cadres who are talented in sports are slated to be absorbed to the national pool through this special selection programme jointly initiated by the Sports Ministry and Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry.

According to the the Sports Ministry, 131 ex-LTTE cadres who are undergoing rehabilitation programme will be trained for 12 selected sporting events such as shooting, volleyball, soccer, badminton, swimming, athletics, weight lifting, karate, kabadi, cricket, chess and carom under this programme.

Authorities say that it is their intention to provide opportunities for sports activities in North and East and identify talented people who suffered for 30 years and give them opportunities. They say that such an attempt would help to achieve international victories to the country as a whole.