The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan stated that efforts to provide livelihood assistance should be carried out in parallel, emphasizing that providing relief must never be seen as an alternative to or an end to the families’ ongoing struggle for justice.
An event organized by the Office on Missing Persons to mark the International Day of the Disappeared was held today – on Tuesday 25 August 2026), at the Jaffna District Secretariat. The Governor made these remarks while participating in the event.
The Governor further addressed the gathering, stating:
“We fully understand the pain of families who have been searching for their loved ones for many years. The present government, led by His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has accorded high priority to addressing the issue of the disappeared. Accordingly, the necessary financial allocations continue to be provided for the activities of the Office on Missing Persons.
The breadwinner of a family may have disappeared. Therefore, alongside investigations to uncover the truth, assistance must also be provided to rebuild the economic and social well-being of affected families. These two efforts are not contradictory; rather, they must proceed in parallel.
Furthermore, excavations relating to human remains are currently being carried out in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. It is essential that evidence recovered from such sites be properly documented, subjected to expert investigation, and taken through due judicial processes. Truth, justice, relief, dignity and non-recurrence are all interconnected. This government will never shirk its responsibility to uncover the truth,” he stressed.
Hon. Minister of Justice Harsha Nanayakkara, who attended the event as the Chief Guest, addressed the gathering and stated:
“Our government has an important policy: the law is equal for everyone, and no one is above the law. The law will be properly enforced in relation to all unlawful acts, including cases involving disappearances. Our expectation is to ensure justice for everyone. This is the mandate and expectation entrusted to us by the people of this country.
He further stated that the staff shortage at the Office on Missing Persons has been addressed, with 69 new officers recruited to strengthen activities related to missing and disappeared persons. Approximately Rs. 375 million was allocated for this purpose in 2025.
He also noted that Rs. 57 million has been allocated for scientific investigations related to the Chemmani mass grave and that consideration is being given to providing a special assistance package, including housing, education and healthcare facilities, to affected families.
He further assured that if those responsible are identified, they will be subject to appropriate legal punishment.”
The Head of the Office on Missing Persons, Mahesh Katulantha, stated that, of the approximately 19,000 complaints received from across the island, investigations into more than 9,000 cases have been completed. In the Jaffna District, where approximately 2,300 complaints have been received, investigations into 1,940 cases have been completed. He further noted that previously suspended investigations have now been resumed, with a target set to complete all outstanding investigations by 2027.
Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekhar, Hon. Members of Parliament K. Ilankumaran and J. Rajeevan, the District Secretaries of Jaffna and Mannar, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Administration of the Northern Province, Divisional Secretaries, heads of government departments and family members of missing persons also participated in the event.
Meanwhile, a medical camp was also held today for family members of missing persons who continue to search for their loved ones.
