Singapore firm employs 40 rehabilitated LTTE cadres from SL

Colombo: About 40 former members of the LTTE, who have successfully undergone rehabilitation under a government programme, are likely to get employed in a construction firm in Singapore, officials said today. “A construction company in Singapore has expressed its interest in recruiting 40 rehabilitees who have received vocational training,” Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Major Gen Jagath Wijetilleke said. Currently there are 132 former members of the LTTE undergoing rehabilitation out of a total of nearly 12,000 former cadres who had either surrendered or been taken into custody following the end of the war in 2009. [caption id=“attachment_1559169” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image[/caption] From those who have already been rehabilitated and reintegrated back into society, more than 230 have qualified to pursue higher education while 35 are currently studying at universities, officials said. The welfare of those who have already been reintegrated are constantly being monitored by the government. This is to ensure the successful and sustainable socio-economic reintegration of all rehabilitated ex-combatants and their families in the respective districts by coordinating with all government and corporate sector institutions, INGOs, NGOs and the community. After completing the government-sponsored rehabilitation program, ex-combatants become eligible to receive loans up to Rs 250,000 at a minimal interest rate to start livelihood programs. So far, 1,773 rehabilitated ex-combatants have received this loan and many more applications are being evaluated, Wijetilleke said. In addition to the loan facility, the bureau is also exploring ways to provide the rehabilitated individuals with employment opportunities abroad. The rehabilitation period includes professional training courses in areas such as mechanical skills, information technology, agriculture, animal husbandry, beauty culture, food processing, education, handicrafts, carpentry and construction, among others. Many are currently employed in both government and private sectors. The rehabilitation process also provides psychological assistance, education, sports, and spiritual, religious and cultural empowerment. Following a recommendation by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, a special committee was appointed to study the cases of detained LTTE suspects and expedite legal action where necessary. PTI