National Framework proposal to integrate ex-LTTE fighters

The proposals were formulated following a series of intensive and wide ranging consultations with diverse stakeholders,Samarasinghe said in a statement.

There are over 10,000 ex-LTTE combatants in custody with the possibility of its rising further as new ex-cadres are being detected in the welfare camps.

The National Framework is primarily designed to safeguard the human rights of ex-combatants including the responsibility to protect and assist them in accordance with the Constitution of Sri Lanka.

It is also part of the Government’s international obligations to contribute towards sustainable peace,reconciliation and social cohesion and to increase the employability of ex-combatants.

This is aimed at minimising the risk of ex-LTTE cadres from socio-economic marginalization as well as to create opportunities for economic revitalization in post-war Sri Lanka.

The National Framework and the importance of reintegrating ex-combatants into civilian life have also been referred to in the joint statement,between the Sri Lankan Government and UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon in May.

The development of individual components of the Action Plan for implementation of the Framework are being led by the respective Sri Lankan Ministries and Government agencies.

Eight teams assisted by two UNDP and ILO experts are currently working side by side,the State owned Daily News said.

They were putting the finishing touches to the document which,once completed will be presented to the donor community for funding and operational support,the newspaper said.

“We started work on this action plan to re-integrate ex-combatants even before the conflict finished,” the Minister said.

Samarasinghe the document,crafted through a very extensive consultation process with civil society inputs and studying international best practices is eagerly awaited by the international community.

The national framework proposal was officially presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 18 in the presence of visiting UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs,Lynn Pascoe,the Daily News said.

The framework is designed to minimise the risk of socio-economic marginalisation and increase employability of ex-cadres among other things.

The Minister said the Disaster Management and Human Rights Ministry will play a co-ordinating role to put the donor community in touch with different line ministries.