Coordinated approach essential to resolve Sri Lanka's missing persons crisis

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stressed that resolving Sri Lanka's long-standing missing persons issue demands a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach supported by consistent commitment from authorities and civil society.

The organization highlighted that the absence of clear information regarding missing persons continues to cause immense suffering to families across the country. Without sustained collaborative efforts involving government institutions, security forces, civil society organizations, and international partners, meaningful progress toward accountability and closure remains elusive.

The ICRC emphasized that effective responses must include transparent investigations, proper documentation of cases, and engagement with affected communities to understand their needs and concerns. The humanitarian body underscored that families of missing persons deserve answers and that addressing this issue is fundamental to national reconciliation and stability.

According to the organization, establishing mechanisms for truth-seeking and providing support services to affected families are critical components of any comprehensive strategy. The ICRC reiterated its commitment to supporting Sri Lankan efforts to address the humanitarian dimensions of the missing persons issue and called upon all relevant parties to prioritize this matter as an essential step toward healing and social cohesion.