The government has released Rs. 300 million to the Ministry of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms to provide loans up to a maximum of Rs.250,000 to the rehabilitated former LTTE cadres to start their own employment.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal made by the Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Chandrasiri Gajadeera, to introduce a scheme through a State Bank to provide the loans to the rehabilitated LTTE cadres.

The government has reintegrated 10,375 former combatants from the North and East into the society following the successful completion of a rehabilitation programme conducted by the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation.

The reintegrated cadres have received vocational training as a part of the rehabilitation process to enable them to be self-employed.

Another 765 cadres are still in rehabilitation centers waiting to complete their program and be integrated.

The Ministry plans to provide loans to 2,000 persons recommended by Divisional Secretaries. Credit facilities to the recommended persons will be provided through Bank of Ceylon.

During and immediately after the final phase of the war 11,700 LTTE cadres have surrendered to the government security forces or arrested by the security forces.

The government has spent Rs. 2.5 billion on the rehabilitation of ex-LTTE cadres since the conflict ended in May 2009.