The number of LTTE cadres, including child soldiers and their family members awaiting rehabilitation could be as high as 50,000 persons, well informed sources said yesterday.


While some initially believed that rehabilitation of LTTE terrorists would be adequate, the government is of the view that their families, too, should be accommodated.


Sources said that there could more LTTE cadres taking refuge among the civilians held at welfare centres in the north though almost all senior cadres had been either confirmed killed or captured.


Justice Ministry sources said that the government was in the process of working out a mega rehabilitation program with the support of the international community.


Justice and Law Reforms Minister Milinda Moragoda would be overall in charge of the project with Major General Daya Ratnayake, a serving army officer, taking over the responsibility of Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, these sources said.


Ratnayake played a commanding role in the offensive which cleared the Eastern Province during the 2006-2007 period before being sent to China for higher military studies. He had on Friday (July 24) met with Justice Ministry Secretary Suhada Gamlath who had previously supervised the office of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation before the new appointment was made.