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.