Former LTTE combatants received loans amounting to Rs.1 billion yesterday (23) through a special scheme initiated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Around 45 former LTTE cadres in Batticaloa received loans ranging from Rs.5, 000 to Rs.50, 000 through state-owned banking giant Bank of Ceylon (BOC) to commence their livelihood, the island reported.

The loans carry an interest cost of between 8 to 12 percent and would help the former combatants start up ventures in electronics and wiring, motor mechanics, mobile phone repairs and agriculture.