Brief:
The unresolved agony of missing Tamils, coupled with the deep psychological wounds left by decades of conflict, risks becoming a catalyst for future unrest. Generations of Tamils continue to carry the trauma of their missing loved ones, and the pain and unanswered questions could reignite tensions, potentially leading to future conflicts. Addressing this issue is not only a matter of justice but also essential for achieving lasting peace in Sri Lanka.
US Tamils: Missing Tamils Will Haunt Sri Lanka’s Conscience Forever
December 23, 2024
The Tamil people, still tormented by the enforced disappearances of thousands during Sri Lanka’s civil conflict, have issued a direct appeal to President Anura Dissanayake: release military records and transfer Gotabaya and Mahinda Rajapaksa to Tamil investigators and independent human rights organizations. These actions are crucial to uncovering the truth about the missing Tamils and providing closure to families who have endured decades of anguish.
The President’s recent statement that the missing cannot be located contradicts extensive evidence collected by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and other credible organizations. Despite this, he continues to obstruct UNHRC investigations and evidence gathering, reinforcing suspicions of a deliberate cover-up.
The unresolved fate of the missing Tamils represents more than a humanitarian crisis; it is a looming threat to Sri Lanka’s stability. Generations of Tamils, burdened by psychological scars and unanswered questions, may one day channel their grief and anger into renewed conflict. This lingering trauma stands as a powerful reminder that justice delayed is justice denied.
Key Demands by US Tamils:
- Release Military Records: The Sri Lankan military holds vital information about the disappeared. Transparency in this matter is a fundamental step toward truth and accountability.
- Allow Questioning of the Rajapaksa Brothers: Gotabaya and Mahinda Rajapaksa, who oversaw the final stages of the war, possess critical knowledge that could help locate the missing. Their cooperation is indispensable for achieving justice.
- Acknowledge the Trauma: The government must address the lasting psychological wounds inflicted on Tamil families and recognize the Tamil people’s aspirations for their political rights.
The missing will never be forgotten. Their absence serves as a constant reminder of the injustice endured by the Tamil community. Without accountability and transparency, Sri Lanka risks perpetuating the cycle of impunity that has plagued its history.
US Tamils urge the Sri Lankan government to embrace accountability and cooperate with international bodies to locate the missing and heal the nation. Failing to address these grievances will inevitably create a new chapter of unrest, driven by future generations seeking answers long denied to their forebears.
The time to act is now. Justice, accountability, and peace are non-negotiable.
Thank you,
Tamil Diaspora News.
December 24, 2024
