http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111001_02

Over1800 former Tamil Tiger combatants reintegrated into the society

www.defence.lk/sinhala">President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday ( sep 30 ) vowed that former LTTE combatants who were rehabilitated by the government would be integrated into the development process of the country.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa handed over the rehabilitated former members of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to their families yesterday at a ceremony held at the Temple Trees with the participation of ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats and the family members.
The Rehabilitation and Prisons Reforms Ministry has made the arrangements to bring the former rebels to the Temple Trees and it was the first time such a large group of rehabilitated cadres were reintegrated into the society.
These ex-LTTE cadres underwent a two year rehabilitation programme at 24 rehabilitation centers in the North and the East. The reintegration event was held under the theme "Ekvenu Sema Nagamu Rata" (Lets get together and uplift the country).
The rehabilitated cadres received certificates for their skills training from the U.S. Ambassador Patricia Butenis, Australian High Commissioner Kathy Klugman and the Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha. The former rebels staged a cultural show for the audience.
Addressing the beneficiaries of the rehabilitation programme, President Rajapaksa said that these youths are an asset which has to be made best use of, for the development of the country. The government has succeeded in rehabilitating the majority of former LTTE cadres and they have already been reintegrated into society. A few more former LTTE cadres are yet to be integrated into society, President Rajapaksa said.
He said that the government never considered these youths as enemies of the country and this policy paved the way for the rehabilitation of thousands of former LTTE combatants.
"We are ready to extend the hands of friendship and brotherhood to these rehabilitated youth," he said. He said that the rehabilitated youths are entitled to have all rights and privileges enjoyed by the ordinary masses of the country. "You are a member of this society and you are able to travel anywhere in the country with peace of mind, he added.
He said that these rehabilitated youth will witness massive development taking place in their respective areas when they return to their houses. Schools and other public buildings damaged by the terrorist atrocities are being replaced with fully equipped schools and office complexes in your area, he said.
He also said that all households would be provided with electricity while ensuring a better living environment. Development will never be polarised. President Rajapaksa also added that certain elements with vested interests will try to take these youths for a ride and he advised them not to fall prey to such schemes.
He reiterated that, he is not ready to betray thousands of people and drag the country into another conflict to fulfill the aspirations of a few. The President assured that the government will leave no room for the re- emergence of another conflict in the country. He also said that nobody is allowed to mislead the youths again. President Rajapaksa requested the rehabilitated beneficiaries to join hands with government and develop the country which belongs to the people of all communities.
"Lets develop the country not only for you but also for your brothers, sisters and for the future generation, he said.
Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, Chandrasiri Gajadeera said the rehabilitation programme was implemented according to the needs of the present day society.