More rehabilitation beneficiaries join the society
After completing their rehabilitation period another batch of
former combatants have joined the society recently. Thus 28 rehabilitation
beneficiaries were unified with their families at a function held at the
Maradamadu Rehabilitation Center in Vavuniya.
Out of the 12000 former combatants included in the
rehabilitation programme more than 11000 beneficiaries have returned to the
mainstream society after completing their rehabilitation period. The government
has put into action a number of welfare and livelihood development programmes to
ensure the wellbeing and assist the reintegration of these once misled youth
back into their societies.
The 28 beneficiaries include 19 males 09 females. During the
function the beneficiaries impressed all those present with their finesse in
aesthetic and sports abilities which they have come to identify and develop
during the rehabilitation period.
Sri Lanka's rehabilitation programme of the former LTTE cadres
has come under international acclaim. It undoubtedly is an extraordinary
achievement which no other country has been able to achieve yet. Sri Lanka has
set an example for the world to follow. The government has spent a colossal, Rs.
2.5 billion on rehabilitating these former combatants, providing them with
education, industrial and vocational training. This is clear reflection of the
generosity, commitment and genuine effort of the government of Sri Lanka in
making the reconciliation process a success.
Some of these beneficiaries have also been included into
national sports teams to represent Sri Lanka in the international arena. A large
number of them have joined the Civil Defence department. This sends a clear
signal to the LTTE rump and its coterie of anti peace local Tamil political
elements who are involved in a futile effort to rouse up communal sentiment
among the reconciling communities by raising unjust demands while enjoying the
benefits of the hard won peace. The Diaspora should take a firm standing in
protecting their brethren from being misled again by the xenophobic antics of
this small band of selfish, egocentric politicians.
A number of distinguished guests including the Minister of
Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, Ministry's Secretary, Commissioner General
for Rehabilitation, military personnel and parents of the beneficiaries were
present at the occasion
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