The Government of Sri Lanka welcomes the release of twenty-eight children by the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) in Batticaloa on Thursday (24 April). This is the second release of children recorded this month. The Government views the release of these children as further signs of the strengthening of democracy and return to conditions of normality in areas of the Eastern Province wrested from the control of separatist terrorists last year.

It also underscores the seriousness of intent of the Government in its undertaking given to several international forums dealing with the issue of children and armed conflict, especially the UN Security Council’s Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict.

Accordingly, the Government has taken steps to secure the release of, and initiate programmes of rehabilitation for, children caught up in armed conflict.The Commissioner-General of Rehabilitation, Suhada Gamalath, on behalf of the Government witnessed the handover of these children, who are thought to have been involved in conflict.

He was joined on the occasion by officials representing the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights, UNICEF, the “Resolution 1612” Task Force which was established to monitor and report on the enforcement of measures to counter the use of children in situations of armed conflict and the Batticaloa Police.The Commissioner-General has impressed upon the parents of the children that the Government is putting in place programmes dedicated to vocational training, rehabilitation, psychological counselling and education for the benefit of ex-child combatants.The Government has constructed a purpose-built facility for the rehabilitation of children involved in conflict.

A committee has been tasked with monitoring the rehabilitation and welfare of the released children and comprises officials representing the Police, UNICEF, the representative of the District Secretary (GA), the National Child Protection Authority who will report to and be guided by the Commissioner-General of Rehabilitation. This committee will also recommend further measures for rehabilitation and training to be made available by the Government. (Ends)

Friday, 25 April 2008