Effects of Reintegration modalities on Ex-Combatants in Kilinochchi and Jaffna; A Situation Analysis

Abstract

The UNDP presents that violent conflicts cause poverty and poverty also increases the likelihood of civil war. UNDP further states that countries with low, stagnant, unequally distributed per-capita incomes and heavily dependent on primary commodities face “dangerously high risks of prolonged conflict”. This is further exacerbated by what the World Bank calls “The conflict Trap”. This trap reflects the fact that once countries have experienced a conflict and addressed the conflict in the violent means will increase the probability of having another conflict by 200% within a 5 to 10 year period. If they have experienced two conflicts their chances of another conflict are quadrupled. Keeping the ‘conflict trap’ ideology in the back of our minds; it is academically sound to analyse the post conflict situation of Sri Lanka. The National Framework of Sri Lanka for Rehabilitation and Reintegration of ex-LTTE combatants into civilian life had a rapid response. This rapidness was carried out by the government of Sri Lanka to the people who were disturbed by the protracted conflict between the LTTE and Sri Lankan State. There were three key areas focused by the government. First was to safeguard the human rights of ex-combatants and to protect and assist them in accordance with the constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the State's international obligations. Secondly the contribution towards sustainable peace, reconciliation and social cohesion was encouraged. Thirdly to increase the employability of ex-combatants, minimize their risk of socio-economic marginalization and to create opportunities for economic revitalization in post-war Sri Lanka. This paper intends to provide a situational report by looking at a fair population representing the ex combatants in the Kilinocchi and Jaffna. This attempt will also reveal the areas that need more professional involvement in reintegration. The Study is conducted on a mix method. The data is collected from a random stratified sample, carefully selected from the total excombatant population of Jaffna and Kilinochchi.