News

The probe on the skeleton found at Colombo Port premises has started with an excavation process on 05th of September 2024 with the presence of under the direction issued by the Chief Magistrate of Colombo. The Judicial Medical Officers, Archeologists, and Officials of the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) have participated in the event. The OMP has been permitted by the Magistrate to exercise the powers vested to OMP and act as observers in investigations concerning mass graves. The human skeleton was found while digging in the middle of the roundabout near the Old Secretariat building at Colombo Fort in July 2024 during excavation work by a private construction company for the construction of the Port City Expressway entrance. The human skeleton was found initially at six feet underground when the company’s employees were excavating.

In commemoration of International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2024, with the lighting of the “ Light of Hope”, a poignant reminder of our common responsibility to push for justice, transparency, and the right to know the fate of those who have gone missing. Our endeavors focused on providing hope and healing to those affected while fostering a world where the life of every human being is valued and respected.

Today Hon.Ali Sabry, MOFA assumed duties as the Minister of the Ministry of Justice too. Congratulations on your appointment. We extend our warmest wishes for a successful tenure and look forward to accelerating and strengthen the ongoing activities of the OMP under your leadership

In my meeting with U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, we discussed the progress and challenges the Office faces in helping families of the disappeared find answers about the whereabouts of their loved ones. The United States is committed to supporting efforts that bring closure and healing to Sri Lankans across the country who are awaiting information about what happened to those who went missing.

US Embassy officials have visited the Mass Grave Site in Kokkuthuduwai in MULAITHIVU District and the OMP officials headed by the Chairman and Executive Director have met them onsite and had discussions about future partnerships in technical collaborations.