2nd lead

LTTE team assesses Batticaloa development needs, meets UNICEF

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 18 May 2004, 10:49 GMT]
A team led by Deputy Leader of Liberation Tigers Political Wing, S. Thangan, is visiting Batticaloa district on a fact finding mission to examine the needs in the district in the areas of rehabilitation, administration and economic development, sources in Batticaloa said.

The LTTE team met with Batticaloa district LTTE commanders and LTTE's administrative officials and discussed in length ways to maintain and improve healthy relationship with people in the district by strengthening the administrative infrastructure in the region, member of the visiting team said.

Meanwhile. LTTE representatives met with officials of the UNICEF at Cholaiyagam in Kokkadichcholai in Batticaloa Monday, sources said.

UNICEF Sri Lanka Director, Ted Chaiban, and Batticala district UNICEF Director, Andrea James represented the UNICEF.

Batticaloa district Special Commander of LTTE, Col.Ramesh, Amparai district LTTE Political Head, E.Kausalyan, Mr. Thangan,AND Thamilini represented the LTTE.

The meeting focussed on the educational needs and general welfare of the fighters under 18 years who were released recently by the LTTE. Col.Ramesh stressed that unless action is taken to improve conditions for the youth in the district many will be tempted to rejoin the movement.

The LTTE delegation emphasised that the Action plan for "children affected by war" should be fully implemented, LTTE further explained that the underage releases should be provided with education, vocational training and their families should be provided with support in income generating activities.

Tamils Rehabilitation Organisation who are one of the members of the "Children affected by War" action plan were also represented.

Ted Chaiban requested the LTTE for full co-operation in the UNICEF's efforts to provide separate rehabilitation schemes for the youth who were released from the movement.