The Sri Lankan military, under the directions of Major General Jagath Dias, recruited 34 Tamil youths from Mullaitivu as tradesmen this month, the military said.
The training, which will be in Tamil and Sinhala, will last 16 weeks, following which the recruits will be placed to serve as mechanics, electricians, welders, plumbers and masons to the army.
The military's hold on employment and economy in the Tamil areas has been heavily criticised. This week, the Northern Province's chief minister, C V Wigneswaran, said the militarisation of the Tamil areas was the most important issue facing the Tamil people.
"The military is taking what should be the livelihoods of the Tamil people," Mr Wigneswaran said.
See related articles:
Sri Lankan military must be removed from North, Wigneswaran tells UK minister (29 Jan 2015)
Sri Lankan military taking livelihoods of Tamils says North's chief minister (27 Jan 2015)
Major General Jagath Dias was last year refused entry into Australia over his role in the final stages of the armed conflict and allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In 2011, Switzerland's Federal Attorney General, said Mr Dias would face a criminal investigation if he were to re-enter Swiss territory for his "personal involvement" in the mass atrocities.
