The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) officially launched a new program to help former fighters in the East reintegrate into society, providing equipment and supplies to start their own small businesses.  The Chief Minister of the Eastern Province, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillaiyan, participated in the event in Batticaloa.

USAID, the development agency of the U.S. Government, is funding the two-year pilot project to facilitate the reintegration of 1000 former fighters in Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara districts.  The project, implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is part of USAID’s larger efforts to increase human security and stability in the Eastern Province by working with local communities as well as returning ex-combatants.

Rebecca Cohn, USAID Mission Director stated, "This project will play an important role in helping post-conflict communities return to normalcy by creating opportunities for former fighters to get the training and support they need to start new lives and build secure futures.  With this support, these men and women have the chance to change their lives, set new goals, and dream new dreams."