Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka: 67 more ex-LTTE child soldiers leaves for Colombo school

The second phase of the rehabilitation program of ex-LTTE child soldiers began last Saturday, 31st October, in Vavuniya with 67 of them leaving for Colombo to receive a fully fledged education.

Accordingly, 44 boys and 23 girls from Punthottem Rehabilitation Centre will receive their education in Colombo. Under the first phase of the program, 81 boys and 63 girls were brought to Colombo and attached to Hindu College, Ratmalana for continuing their education.

The fresh batch of these rehabilitated ex-LTTE child soldiers will join their former colleagues at the same school with all the facilities including lodging, clothing and expenses totally met by the Government.

Co-ordinating Officer in Charge of their rehabilitation Colonel Mangala Goonasinghe said these children received the blessings of their parents before their departure. These parents will also be able to visit them once or twice a month, for which the Government will provide all the facilities.

Those children were full of enthusiasm and were seen breathing the air of freedom when they left Vavuniya.

They said that the President and the Armed Forces have done them a great merit by allowing them to pursue their education in this manner.

The entire program is in progress under the supervision of Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Major General Daya Ratnayake