August 30, Colombo (LNW):To commemorate the ‘International Day of Missing Persons’ declared by the United Nations, a ceremony was held at the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agricultural Research Institute in Colombo 07 on Wednesday, August 28, under the patronage of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms Minister Ali Sabri, PC.
Organized by the Office for the Missing Persons, the event featured a keynote speech by Minister Sabri, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing justice and a dignified end for the families of the missing and their loved ones. “The Office for the Missing Persons, established to address the issues faced by those affected by the civil war, has earned the trust of the people through its efforts to determine the status of missing persons and provide solutions,” he said.
Minister Sabri highlighted that since 1980, approximately 14,500 people have disappeared in Sri Lanka, and justice must be sought for these individuals through the existing mechanisms. He emphasized that some have exploited the issue for political purposes, stressing the need to address the concerns of all Sri Lankans, regardless of their location. He also mentioned the government’s release of 12,900 rehabilitated LTTE members who have not re-engaged in terrorist activities.
He underscored the importance of listening to those affected by the disappearance of relatives, noting the significant role of the Office for the Missing Persons. Additionally, he pointed out that the Office for Truth and Reconciliation offers further opportunities for justice. While acknowledging international support, he insisted that foreign entities should not interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs.
The event was attended by Attorney-at-Law Mahesh Katulanda, Chairman of the Office for the Missing Persons, Nihal Ranasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reform, Attorney General President’s Counsel Parinda Ranasinghe, South African High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sandile Edwin Schalk, Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Siri Walt, Executive Director of the Office for Missing Persons J. Tatparan, other government officials, and relatives of missing persons.
