The Sri Lankan government has decided to provide over 4,700 former Tamil Tiger cadre with loans to start their own businesses after they completed rehabilitation programs, an official said on Thursday.

Cabinet spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told media that approval had been given for the Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry to release 4.1 million US dollars in total for the loans.

Sri Lanka ended a brutal three-decade war in 2009. During and after hostilities ended thousands of former Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE) cadre surrendered to the government.

"The total number of people who have been rehabilitated and reintegrated into society stands at 11,573," Rambukwella added.

He insisted that this was yet another step in the government's efforts to assist the war-affected and ensure that the rehabilitation process is a success.

Most of the loans will be invested to start small businesses such as vehicle repair shops, which are part of the skills taught to cadres during their rehabilitation programmes.

The Sri Lankan government-sponsored rehabilitation scheme takes a minimum of one year to complete.

Rambukwella also noted that prominent former members of the LTTE may also contest upcoming elections as nominees of the ruling party, the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.