Nearly 12,000 ex combatants were willingly surrendered to the GoSL for their safety and for the rehabilitation. Out of which 594 were children, they conscripted as child soldiers. 4.95% was surrendered out of the total. 364 Males and 230 Females, The BCGR called them as 'OUR CHILDREN'.
Programmes Conducted to the Ex–Child Combatants
Educational Rehabilitation:
Focused to develop the standard of educational level for the future, expand thinking and explore alternatives, critical thinking to counter any narrow ideology Following opportunities were made available;
- i. Formal education for children (Classes for GCE (O/L) and GCE (A/L) examination)
ii. Catch up education for adults (Classes for GCE (O/L) and GCE (A/L) examination)
iii. Re-University admission for those who left out
iv. Education scholarships to further promote and facilitate the higher studies
vi. Computer aided drafting (CAD) and 3D Drafting
vii. Language training (Sinhala & English)
viii. Typing shorthand
ix. Pre-reintegration mentorship program
Formal Education:
Facilitating "Catch-Up" Education:
Focused to develop the standard of educational level for the future, expand thinking and explore alternatives, critical thinking to counter any narrow ideology. Following opportunities were made available
Results Of GCE (A/L) Examination - 2010
Results Of GCE (O/L) Examination - 2010
Rehabilitees Selected for Universities in Year 2011
Results Of GCE O/L) Examination - 2011
Vocational Rehabilitation:
i. Electrician
ii. Carpentry
iii. Masonry
iv. Welding
v. Aluminium Fabrication
vi. Three Wheeler Repair
vii. Beauty Culture
viii. Leather Works
ix. Tailoring
x. Computer
xi. English Language
xii. Aesthetic (Music)
xiii. Accelerate Skills Acquisition Programme
The Vocational Training - Age 14 years to 18 years
i. Vocational training programmes
ii. Aesthetics/Drama therapy pogrammes
iii. Spiritual development programmes
iv. Counseling and positive values cultivation programmes
v. Sports activities such as "Cricket for Change"/ Regional Athletic Meets /Inter School Cricket and Netball Matches / Sports Meets / New Year Festivals
vi. Guiding and Scouting
vii. Educational visits
viii. "Handamama" child radio programme of SLBC
Percentage of Children followed Vocational Training
After a successful rehabilitation process, all the children were reintegrated and handed over to their parents, relatives or orphanage under the court orders they are now happily living with their families, relatives and kith and kin in their own habitants. Most of them were employed and following higher education as their wish
