the number of persons rehabilitated and re-integrated into the society after the conflict situation which prevailed in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, stands at 11573.  Steps were initiated to provide a sum of Rs.300 million in the form of loans  to 1549 beneficiaries from the Northern and Eastern Provinces, through State Banks for self-employment purposes.  The proposal made by Hon. Chandrasiri Gajadeera, Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, to provide a sum of Rs.525 million to provide loans to a further 4724 rehabilitated persons, was approved by the Cabinet.