http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201201/20120112farming_project_help_ex_ltte_cadres.htm


Farming project to help ex LTTE-cadres

The Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna (SF-J) has initiated a programme to make reintegrated ex-LTTE combatants economically stable.Under this scheme, SF-J launched an Aloe Vera farming project in Vadamarachchi in collaboration with the Northern Governor’s office.At the initial stage of the project, 54 families of rehabilitated ex-LTTE combatants, their relatives and other war-affected persons including woman-headed families were selected to grow Aloe Vera at domestic level. An introductory seminar on the cultivation which is new to Jaffna was conducted by experts in the field for potential Aloe Vera farmers of Mamunai, Thalaiady and Champianpattu areas.Headquarters SF-J distributed tools needed for the farming project and 5000 Aloe Vera saplings at the inauguration, and by mid February 20000 more plants will be provided to the farmers. The Northern Province Governor’s office has allocated Rs.1 million for the project.Although the Government provided sufficient vocational training to ex-LTTE cadres during their stay under protective accommodation and rehabilitation in Jaffna, Vavuniya and Welikanda, some reintegrated ex-LTTE combatants reportedly faced some difficulties in finding jobs. With those concerns in mind the SF-J and the Northern Province Governor’s office initiated this project to help them.