Colombo – Norway has contributed NOK 3 million (USD 528,000 / Rs. 57 million) to IOM to support the socio-economic reintegration of former Tamil Tiger (LTTE) cadres in Sri Lanka.

"We need to help these people to return home and start new lives. The IOM programme will provide them with a foundation from which they can start new livelihoods and rebuild their lives," said Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Hilde Haraldstad.

The IOM reintegration programme has already helped over 3,000 former LTTE cadres to start new livelihoods by providing training, tools, small grants and job placement, since the end of Sri Lanka's 27 years of conflict in 2009.

"The economic and social reintegration of former LTTE cadres in conflict-shattered communities, mainly in the north and east of the country, is crucial to the reconciliation process," said IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission Richard Danziger.

"Norway's donation to this programme will contribute to long-term peace and human security, both at the individual and community level," he added.

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For further information please contact: Richard Danziger, IOM Colombo, Tel: +94.11532.5300, E-mail: rdanziger@iom.int