6151 NorthEast children suffer without psychiatric help

[TamilNet, Friday, 26 March 2004, 11:25 GMT]
6151 children in NorthEast are psychologically affected due to war induced trauma and remain without adequate help, said planning commissioner for Tamils Rehabilitation Organization (TRO), Mr.Malaravan in a press briefing in Vavuniya Thursday morning. Lack of funds has denied us from taking forward the medical plans designed to help these children, Malaravan further said.

1425 children from Kilinochchi district, 700 children from Jaffna district, 291 children from Mannar district, 321 children from Vavuniya district, 587 children from Amparai district, 1116 children from Batticaloa district, 1047 children from Mullaitivu district, and 664 children from Trincomalee district remain mentally affected.

"We have sufficient funds to help only 1520 children," Malaravan told the press.

"We are plan to spend $700,000 during a two year program on children. Although we require $150,000 for the first year we have not received this funds to carryout the program. The TRO has spent $32,000 on child welfare, their security and activities related to raising awareness on children rights," Malaravan added.

"Out of the 93 children looked after at the UNICEF's Transit Camp in Kilinochchi, 60 were handed over to their parents. Majority of them attempted to rejoin the Liberation Tigers due to the prevailing poverty and lack of opportunities at their villages," added Malaravan.

Malaravan further said: "In the 8 districts of NorthEast, 40 planning officers from the TRO are working to implement different projects related to welfare of children. However, lack of co-operation from other charitable organizations is hampering swift progress."