The process of releasing them has already begun, he said, and all former child soldiers should be released by mid-year, as they are to be kept only for a maximum of one year for rehabilitation.

The Government has given the opportunity to more than 400 former LTTE child soldiers to sit the GCE Ordinary Level in 2009 at four special examination centres set up by the Examinations Department.

Also, a group of rehabilitated LTTE child soldiers arrived in Colombo to continue their educational activities.

Accordingly, 258 children continue their higher education at the Hindu Colleges in Ratmalana and Wellawatte.

The government provides them all necessary facilities including food and accommodation.

Providing higher education to ex-LTTE child combatants is a priority under the government’s efforts of the rehabilitation of child soldiers.