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Wednesday, February 23, 2011 - 5.01 GMT |
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Rehab of ex-LTTE cadres:
Sri Lanka an example to world - President |
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Sri Lanka has set an example to the rest of the world with the speed with which the rehabilitation and reintegration process of ex-LTTE combatants took place, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the progress review meeting of the Ministry of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms held at Temple Trees yesterday (22).
He added that many ex-LTTE cadres have been reintegrated into civilian life and they are using the vocational training received at rehabilitation centres to uplift their livelihoods.
The type of vocational training given to ex-LTTE cadres was also discussed at the meeting. Out of the nearly 11,700 ex-LTTE combatants who initially began the rehabilitation process, nearly 5800 have already been reintegrated into society.
Currently 24 rehabilitation centres operate in the North and East. Within the first four months they are assessed on their mental status, knowledge and abilities and grouped accordingly. The rehabilitation process comprise the psychological and creative assistance, education, vocational training, spiritual, religious and cultural empowerment, sports and socialization.
Further, the use of prison inmates in community service was also discussed.
This is important for the economic progress of the country rather than filling prisons with inmates, President said.
Those convicted of less serious crimes could be deployed to perform unpaid public service under the supervision of probation officers, President Rajapaksa said.
President pointed out the importance of separating juveniles under 16 years from adult inmates.
He also pointed out that the government has given special attention to rehabilitating prisoners and working towards addressing the problems faced by prison authorities.
President instructed the authorities to upgrade prisons with modern facilities.
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003/004/006 |
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