The Mannar families of the disappeared association secretary, Sharmila Madutheen urged the future parliamentarians that be elected from the upcoming parliamentary election to “seek immediate justice for the missing persons”.

She made the comment during a press conference today, where she highlighted how the election has seen a refocus on the missing person’s issue;

“The contesting [Tamil] candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections are all promising truth and justice for the issue of missing persons and have put it at the forefront of their election campaigns,” she said.

“While these canvass efforts are supposedly putting pressure on the state, these campaign promises should not simply be about winning votes in the election, but ultimately also about finding a solution for those of us who are mourning the loss of our children and husband and not given answers for their whereabouts,” she added.  

Madutheen added, “the new parliamentarians who will be soon be elected by the people after the election must find us a long-lasting solution for us. Whether that is through local or international mechanisms, they need to stand with us. They need to put pressure on the state.”

She stated, “we believe that you will not give us empty promises that will fly into the air and hope that you are able to help us reach a reasonable solution for our tears, struggle and worries.”