Ex-combatants to get loan up to Rs 250,000 for livelihood projects

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Ex-combatants to get loan up to Rs 250,000 for livelihood projects
9 Oct 2010 - 17:00
Sri Lanka rehabilitation authorities have introduced a loan scheme for rehabilitated ex-combatants of the LTTE to start their livelihood.
Commissioner of Rehabilitation Brig. Sudantha Ranasinghe said that the ministry of Rehabilitation has set up a centre for the purpose at Vavuniya Government Agent Office. Loans will be provided up to a maximum of Rs 250,000 for any livelihood project proposals submitted by them. “This is not only for the ex combatant, even the IDPs who have been resettled can apply for this” Said Brigadier Ranasinghe.
Several ex-combatants inclusive of child soldiers were released to their parents by the government authorities after having rehabilitated them. These ex-combatants mostly the adolescent children were provided with vocational training while some other school going children were facilitated to complete their secondary education. Some 500 rehabilitated ex- child soldiers sat for the GCE A/L examination in August 2010 and they were socialized since then.
According to the Commissioner once a business proposal is submitted this loan facility will granted at an interest rate of 4% through state banks. An office in Vavuniya has also been established to coordinate the activities.
He added that former LTTE cadres had also been provided with adequate training to commence their own businesses. Brigadier said that this soft loan is given at 4 percent interest and the person interested should submit his own proposal to the authorities.