Photo: The seven ex-LTTE youth obtaining the blessings of the clergy after they were given their passports and documents at the Sammankodu Sri Manikka Vinayakar Kovil at Bambalapitiya. Justice and Law Reforms Minister Milinda Moragoda, Deputy Minister V. Puthrasigamani and Secretary Suhada Gamlath were also present.

Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Major General Daya Ratnayake said they had been able to reform the most dreaded youth who were in the LTTE organisation as useful persons to the country.


He was speaking at a ceremony held yesterday at Manikka Vinayagar Kovil, Bambalapitiya presided over by Justice and Legal Reforms Minister Milinda Moragoda.


Air tickets to seven former LTTE cadres who were rehabilitated and were to be sent to Malaysia for employment were handed over to them at this ceremony.


These surrendered LTTE youth underwent training in the construction field at the Ambepussa Rehabilitation Camp. This is the first group going to Malaysia.


“Today we have issued them visas and other documents. We have organised this ceremony at the Kovil so that these youth will get a religious footing in their lives. The blessing they get from this will make their future prosperous,” he said.


Deputy Minister V. Puthrasigamani said, these former LTTE youth joined the movement as child soldiers and added that they are going to Malaysia after rehabilitation for one and half years at the Ambepussa camp.
The Deputy Minister said a similar batch of 147 youth were sent to the Middle East on an earlier occasion.