July 30, Colombo: A batch of 1,250 rehabilitated ex-LTTE cadres reintegrated into main-stream society received livelihood loans at a ceremony held under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees today.

The former combatants from Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mullativu and Kilinochchi districts, who have undergone a year of vocational training at rehabilitation centers, received the loans to start self-employment of small industries, agricultural projects and other vocational training programs.

The loans with a maximum limit of Rs. 250,000, administered through the Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank and National Savings Bank will carry a 4 percent interest rate with a 10-year repayment period. Only the interest is required to be paid back during the first year.

A sum of 300 million rupees will be allocated to Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank and National Savings Bank for this purpose.

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

(Photos by Sudath Silva)