http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111202_04

Reintegration of ex-LTTE cadres to society nearing completion - IOM

A project, spearheaded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to rehabilitate ex LTTE cadres is nearing completion, with Japan, too, throwing its weight behind the programme.
The IOM launched the project in the East in early 2009 and subsequently expanded it to the Northern Province. IOM Chief of Mission Richard Danziger said that the Northern project got underway in 2010 following the conclusion of the conflict.
In a brief interview with The Island, Danziger said that Japan had recently provided 1.5 mn USD (more than Rs. 150 mn) for the ongoing project aimed at reintegrating former LTTE personnel to the civil society and reconciliation efforts.
Japanese Ambassador Nobuhito Hobo and Danziger finalized an agreement in this regard recently. "We are confident that this aid will be effectively utilized to implement worthwhile initiatives to promote social and economic reintegration," said Ambassador Hobo.
"The Government of Japan's global leadership in advocating for and contributing to human security is admirable. I am delighted that it has placed its confidence in IOM to support the reintegration of former LTTE cadres and their receiving communities," said Danziger.
Close on the heels of Japanese support, Norway, finalized an agreement with the IOM to provide funds amounting to Rs. 57 mn (NOK 3 mn) for the same project.
The Norwegian embassy quoted Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Haraldstad as having emphasized the importance of social and economic reintegration of ex-cadres of LTTE. Ms. Haraldstad remarked "It is important to assist them to return home and to start a new life. The IOM programme is geared to meet their urgent needs and will provide the ex-cadres with a foundation from which they can start a livelihood and rebuild their lives."
The UK provided œ650,000 (approximately $1 mn) for the IOM project.
The IOM acknowledged that the government had given the agency direct access to ex-LTTE combatants held in several facilities. Asked to elaborate the assistance given to one-time members of the proscribed organization, Danziger said that during the pre-release profiling, each beneficiary was informed about IOM's programme and provided with IOM's contacts in each district. Danziger said: "After the release, those wanting assistance come to IOM offices, where they are supported with a range of activities such as counseling sessions, referral to other agencies or projects in the same area, training, education and individual livelihood assistance. As of mid Nov. 2011, 10,237 had been profiled, 2,167 clients provided with livelihood assistance and 12,134 counseling sessions organized."
Expressing satisfaction with regard to the progress so far, the Colombo-based IOM chief estimated the number of ex-combatants awaiting IOM support at 2,298. Danziger expressed confidence that they could be provided the required assistance over the next couple of months.
Courtesy: Department of Government Information