Over 7,000 Missing Persons Cases Documented, Says Office on Missing Persons
Jaffna: The Commissioner of the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) has revealed that basic information relating to more than 7,000 missing persons has been collected as part of the institution’s ongoing investigations.
The statement was made while addressing the media after visiting the Chemmani mass grave site alongside the Minister of Justice.
The Commissioner noted that the OMP has been actively carrying out its mandate for more than five years and operates in accordance with international standards and legal frameworks.
He explained that the OMP functions in line with international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and the guidelines of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), ensuring that its work is conducted in a lawful and transparent manner.
Although funded by the government, the OMP remains an independent commission that does not act in favour of the military, the police, or any political group, he emphasized.
According to the Commissioner, the primary objective of the institution is to establish the truth regarding missing persons and ensure that those responsible for any wrongdoing are brought before the law.
He further stated that public confidence in the OMP has grown significantly in recent years, leading to increased participation in district-level inquiry sessions organized by the commission.
While around 100 individuals are invited to attend these sessions each day, more than 85 families regularly appear in person to provide testimonies and information related to their missing relatives.
The Commissioner also highlighted the important role of journalists and media organizations in addressing misconceptions among the public and ensuring that accurate information reaches society.
The remarks were made during a visit to the Chemmani mass grave site, where ongoing efforts continue to uncover the truth surrounding cases of enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka.
