Amnesty International (AI), while commending President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for reaching out to the families of the disappeared, has called on the Government to immediately implement the much delayed Office of Missing Persons.
“The people of Sri Lanka cannot wait any longer. Tens of thousands of families, from all communities, have waited far too long already. The Office on Missing Persons must be established as soon as possible,” said Amnesty International’s South Asia Director, Biraj Patnaik in a communiqué published on its website.
“It is encouraging that the President and the Prime Minister have reached out to families of the disappeared over recent days. But soothing words must be followed by decisive action. Only justice can heal the wounds of Sri Lankans.”
The Office of Missing Persons Bill that was passed in Parliament, not in the most orthodox manner came, had to face a few hurdles. However, even though the legislation was passed the establishment of the office is still facing setbacks.
The human rights organization has called on the authorities to ensure that evidence of crimes under international law are forwarded for further investigation and prosecution; for there to be gender balance among members of the OMP; to ensure accessibility and public outreach across the country; and ensure there is forensic expertise and the requisite capacity and authority for the OMP to be effective.