http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/07/22/new03.asp

Livelihood loans for ex-LTTE cadres

by Ranil WIJAYAPALA

Over 1,200 rehabilitated ex-LTTE cadres reintegrated into main-stream society will benefit from a Government loan scheme for livelihood programs, Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera told the Sunday Observer.

Following the government’s program to rehabilitate over 12,000 ex-LTTE cadres no complaints were received about any misconduct or misbehaviour on the part of those rehabilitated, the Minister said.

“Not only have we rehabilitated and reintegrated them into the society but we are also creating an environment for them to contribute to the national economy by this loan scheme”, he said.

“ We are giving them loans at 4 percent interest with a 10-year repayment period. In the first year they need to pay only the interest”, the Minister said.

The loans for the rehabilitated LTTE cadres will be handed over at a ceremony on July 30 under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees, the Minister said.

Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry Secretary, A. Dissanayaka said the loans would be provided through the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank and National Savings Bank. The banks are now processing the applications. The loans with a maximum limit of Rs. 250,000 will be provided to start self-employment, small industries, agricultural projects and other vocational training programs, he said.