The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara - Minister of Justice and National Integration

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I thank the Hon. Member for this timely Question, which enhances accountability. Though we have been in office only one and a half years, we must work with pre-existing records.

¶ 02 1) The Government acknowledges a significant number of persons remain unaccounted for after the final stages of the conflict. Official figures have varied due to differing sources and methodologies (PCIs, LLRC, and OMP which began only in 2018). Based on records since 2009, I can cite 2,764, while noting this can be debated.

¶ 03 2) The absence of a fully credible, consolidated national database has been a longstanding challenge. With ICRC support, the OMP has: - Consolidated data into a temporary database to preserve and access existing records; - Developed a formal proposal for a comprehensive DBMS as a long-term solution; - Undertaken requirements gathering with stakeholders to meet humanitarian, legal and accountability needs; - Strengthened OMP to centralize data collection, coordinate with law enforcement and civil registries, and introduce digital platforms for transparency and accuracy; - Continued engagement with international partners and civil society to ensure methodological rigor and public trust.

¶ 04 3) Chemmani mass graves (discovered 19 February 2025): The site is jointly protected by community groups and Police to preserve evidence. The Ministry has allocated funds (including Rs. 19 million). We are applying technologies and SOPs aligned with international best practices in forensic archaeology and human rights investigations to minimize damage and ensure a rigorous, transparent process under judicial supervision. Timelines and methods are set by court in consultation with forensic anthropologists, archaeologists, JMOs, and crime scene investigators. We are also working toward a timeline for closure; remains will be sent for forensic analysis as directed by court, with public identification processes as appropriate. Updates will be provided.

¶ 05 4 & 5) The OMP has reported information on 19 mass grave sites and is currently working closely with eight sites (Colombo, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Batticaloa, Trincomalee). With ICRC technical support, over 40 excavation officers from the Department of Archaeology were trained in mass grave investigations; an advanced workshop trained 60 more. Commitments with ICRC are in place for the next three years.

¶ 06 War created painful histories for all sides; enforced disappearances by any party are wrong. Specific cases are before courts and will follow due process. If there are instances facing obstacles or not yet before court, please bring them to me; I am willing to discuss and assist.

¶ 07 7) Regarding SLAP: It is a unilateral UN initiative published in January. Sri Lanka has not accepted SLAP, as it is external and counterproductive to domestic reconciliation processes; the Government will not engage with it. As the Foreign Minister stated at HRC60 (Sept. 2025), we oppose external mechanisms such as SLAP which create divisions and jeopardize national processes. Methodologies used are not acceptable to us; this will be formally communicated.

¶ 08 8) Since we assumed office, we have supported and strengthened the OMP. While the OMP existed since 2018, effective functioning requires political will, which was lacking from 2019 until we took office. Our first challenge was manpower; we have acted to address this and to expand OMP’s operational capacity and technical collaboration, as outlined.

¶ 09 Further detailed outcomes and updates will be provided in writing.