The government will accommodate over 100 detained LTTE cadres, who obtained Advanced Level qualifications during the recently concluded war, at the University of Jaffna. Some of them may enter other universities as well.


Contrary to fears expressed in some quarters that youth in government custody would be held for a long period, authorities will now go for an accelerated programme to help detainees resume civilian life. Among them are believed to be members of various branches of the LTTE, including fighting formations.


Justice and Law Reforms Minister Milinda Moragoda told The Island last Thursday (December 3) that the government was in the process of finalising the programme. Moragoda, who was instrumental in involving top private sector firms and the international community in a cohesive programme to rehabilitate LTTE cadres, including children, said that the government would give AL qualified detainees a chance to resume their higher education. He said that the private sector was ready to help their endeavor.


Ministry spokesperson Gamini Godakanda told The Island yesterday said that on a ministerial directive, action had been taken to find sponsors for all students, who could continue their education at the Jaffna University. He expressed confidence that the programme would receive the support it deserved from both the public and private sectors. According to him, they had already discussed the issue with the University of Jaffna to explore the possibility of moving the students from detention facilities in various parts of the country to the university.


Responding to our queries, he said that over 1,000 detainees, who had been wounded in action during the battles, too, needed special assistance. "We are also trying to work out a special scheme for them," he said.


Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Minister Moragoda last Thursday visited Hindu College, Ratmalana, where 273 LTTE cadres between the age of 12 to 18 were receiving education. After meeting the students, the Defence Secretary told The Island that the government appreciated the support extended by Tamil civilians and the private sector to rehabilitate LTTE combatants. This would have been a daunting task without the support given by the Tamil community, he said urging the Tamil Diaspora to throw its weight behind government efforts.

Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Major General Daya Ratnayake told The Island that they intended to provide every possible opportunity for LTTE detainees to live a civilian life. According to him, over 11,000 men and women are in 17 detention facilities, apart from over 500 children (12-18) either receiving education at Hindu College or at vocational training facilities in various parts of the country.