TNA hails govt. on rehab of combatants

Despite being at odds with the ruling party over power devolution, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) yesterday hailed the government’s programme of  rehabilitation of ex-LTTE combatants and called it ‘excellent’.

Commenting on the programme, TNA leader R. Samapanthan said that the officers in charge of the rehabilitation process discharged their duties with the fullest sense of responsibility. Mr. Sampanthan said that the role played by Maj. Gen. Sudantha Ranasinghe in particular was excellent.

“We received a lot of reports about his excellent performance. We are glad that a large number of young men and women have been rehabilitated and reintegrated into society. The rehabilitation programme has gone on very well,” he said.

However, he said that follow up action should be taken to ensure livelihood opportunities for these youth now living with their families.

“We have offered to help the government in this case. Yet, the government is not willing to accept our help. They only rely on two Ministers namely Douglas Devananda and Rishad Bathiudeen,” he said.

Also, he added that the TNA laments the missing of some persons during the latter part of the war.

“Today, some parents are roaming in the north and the east looking for their young children who went missing. We lament it,” he said. 

During the final stage of the war, around 12,000 LTTE combatants either surrendered to the military. Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Maj. Gen. Chandana Rajaguru said 10,490 of them had been reintegrated into society. 

He said that around 1,000 ex-combatants are still undergoing rehabilitation under him at the moment.

“Some of these carders were referred to us by courts after the judicial processes. We released two batches in January and February. Another 387 combatants will be released next month,” he said.

Besides, he said that 200 combatants are with various investigation agencies at the moment. (Kelum Bandara)