‘Ex-LTTE cadres’ rehabilitation not highlighted in Geneva’
S. Thillainathan
Although several anti-government, Non-Governmental Organisations
(NGOs) and certain countries supporting the American Resolution spread
falsehoods and untruths about the government’s human rights record at
the Geneva Human Rights Conference, no one is aware of the good work the
government is doing to rehabilitate former LTTE cadres and provide a
livelihood to them.
The Civil Security Department is doing a yeoman service for those
affected by terrorism and ill-treated by the LTTE at the Viswamadu Camp.
Viswamadu Civil Security Headquarters Commanding Officer, Lt. Col.
W.W. Ratnapriya is running this camp with 3,500 ex-LTTE cadres and LTTE
sympathisers.
This officer has become a role model for all of them by his exemplary
character and humanitarian approach.
He told the Sunday Observer that he serves the people on the guidance
and direction of the Director General of the Civil Security Department
Rear Admiral Ananda Pieris.
He has set up different sections to develop Oriental and Western
Dancing, Karnatic Music and specialises in Bharatha Nattyam at the camp.
Lt. Col. Ratnapriya also runs 12 farms, paddy, maize, groundnut, cashew
and several other pulses are cultivated in these farms.
The camp sells these products. He has also opened 250 montessori
schools in the area with his 400-staff to teach children of personnel of
the Civil Defence Force.
The 3,500 persons employed by the Civil Defence Force received a
monthly salary of Rs.19,500. Lt. Col. Ratnapriya said that the 100
montessori teachers are paid Rs.19,500 per month by the Civil Security
Department.
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