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.

For further information please contact:

Richard Danziger

IOM Colombo

Tel: +94.11532.5300

E-mail: "mailto:rdanziger@iom.int">rdanziger@iom.int