
Transit Centre for Under Age LTTE Cadres Opens in Killinochchi
A transit centre to accommodate and care for the under age cadres of the LTTE was opened in Killinochchi yesterday. For over two decades war has ravaged the north and east of the country and children have been particularly affected during this time.
Children from Gurukulam Children's Home Escort the Dignitaries to the New Transit Centre It is common knowledge that some of these children who have lost every member of their respective families end up joining the LTTE. Even at the most critical junctures of the was the LTTE had implemented programs to cater for the well-being of the children. Numerous orphanages and educational facilities were established for these children in areas under LTTE control. After the onset of the peace process, agreement was reached with the GOSL and plans to create these transit centres for children and youth, who joined the LTTE out of desperation, to be provided with a facility to rehabilitate them and turn them out into good citizens. UNICEF has been a key member of this initiative. The GOSL, the LTTE, UNICEF and TRO were involved in the action plan resulting in the first transit centre being opened yesterday. Dr. John Gooneratne from the GOSL Peace Secretariat officially opened the centre.
Dr. John Gooneratne at the official opening of the centre
The officials from UNICEF, TRO, the LTTE and the GOSL
The audience at the opening of the centre The function was also attended by Mr.Thangan (Deputy head of Political Wing, LTTE) Mr.H Soysa (Additional Secretary, Ministry of social welfare) Mr.Sadig Rasheed, Regional director, UNICEF Regional Office of South Asia) Mr.Ted Chaiban, Representative, UNICEF, Sri Lanka Mr.K.P Regi (Executive director of TRO) Mr. Greg Duly, Country director, Save the Children, in Sri Lanka Dr. Gooneratne, Mr. S. Thangan, Mr. Sadiq Rasheed and Mr. K.P. Regi all addressed the gathering. In this first centre 49 children (27 girls) would be housed and provided with educational facilities and vocational training.
04 October 2003
|