Former LTTE members can access government livelihood loans, Wijepala says

Rehabilitated former LTTE members can access existing government loan and self-employment assistance schemes without obstruction, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament on Saturday.

He said those who had completed rehabilitation and returned to society were living as ordinary citizens and could obtain support through the schemes available to the public.

“Several government loan and self-employment assistance schemes are currently available, and there is no barrier preventing them from obtaining the facilities they need under those schemes,” he said.

Wijepala said various programmes had been introduced from around 2010 to help rehabilitated former LTTE members develop their livelihoods.

The assistance included loans, housing support and equipment for self-employment. Sewing machines, fishing nets and agricultural implements were among the items provided, alongside equipment for carpentry and welding.

He said the former members had been reintegrated into society approximately 15 years ago. Those who were minors during the initial rehabilitation period had received opportunities to sit school examinations, with many passing.

Educational assistance was followed by access to vocational training intended to help them develop skills and find livelihoods, he said.

Wijepala said existing government programmes continued to provide opportunities for these individuals to obtain assistance for self-employment and other livelihood activities.