The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 recruited nearly 100 people to carry out the work of the OMP and the OR. And, they were extremely short of staff and was not functional. Now, we have also allocated them money. So, now what has happened? Cabinet Approval has been granted to extend the OMP’s mandate to inquire cases beyond the year 2000 and newly reported cases, too. So, now, there are more cases being reported and the numbers are going up.

¶ 02 Also, I must say that by the Cabinet, Rs. 375 million was allocated for the OMP’s inquiry panel of 75 people. It is now carrying out inquiries into complaints on missing persons and we are intending to complete 5,000 complaints this year and the remaining 6,000 next year. So, within two years, we are hoping that these panels will be able to finish investigations into those complaints and I have told them separately and in person also to keep in mind when they are doing it that this is not just about paying money and but about finding truth and justice for the people. Therefore, if there are any perpetrators being identified in this process, relevant steps would be taken to alert the other official authorities to carry out the necessary measures.

¶ 03 When it comes to the mass graves, the OMP is acting as an observer in eight ongoing cases and is assisting the court in different ways, including assisting in coordination between different agencies while making interventions.

¶ 04 The OMP has been involved in supporting on technical capacity and has provided training for archaeologists (focusing on forensic archaeology - two trainings in 2025) and for JMOs and odontologists (focusing on age techniques for sub-adults in 2025).

¶ 05 With regard to database development, different sources of information have been consolidated into a temporary database. A formal proposal has been developed for a comprehensive Database Management System, as I told you earlier. And also, the Government has allocated a dedicated budget for the initiative. A requirement of identification process with stakeholders is underway to ensure the system meets humanitarian, legal and accountability needs.

¶ 06 With regard to supporting families, the OMP has expedited the issuance of Certificates of Absence, enabling families to access interim relief and manage legal/administrative matters. Continued engagement with families and civil society has been prioritized to ensure credibility and transparency in all processes.

¶ 07 With regard to regional outreach, the OMP continues to operate regional offices in Jaffna, Batticaloa, Mannar, Matara and Kilinochchi. In 2025, the OMP set up a sub-office in Mullaitivu to ensure access.

¶ 08 The Office for Reparations was established in 2018 under Act, No. 34 of 2018, succeeding the Rehabilitation of Persons, Properties and Industries Authority Act, No. 29 of 1987. That is the legal background.

¶ 09 Reparations are provided aiming at individuals as well as through collective mechanisms guided by policies and frameworks. Develop an OR Act through following thematic areas of interventions: compensation and financial support, livelihood support and psychosocial support.

¶ 10 The Government of Sri Lanka continues to extend support to families of missing persons through the reparation framework administered by OR. Monetary grants referred to as revival payments are disbursed to dependents of missing persons based on recommendation from Office on Missing Persons in accordance with Section 11(a) Part [I] of the Act.

¶ 11 As of 31st December, 2025, a total of 4,456 claimants have received final revival payments. This process ensures that financial assistance is delivered in a transparent and an accountable manner. During the period 2003-2005, a total of 31 collective reparation initiatives were implemented across multiple districts in Northern and Eastern Provinces. These programmes benefitted 1,523 conflict-affected individuals including 1,021 women, 532 men, 231 students with disabilities and 211 girls. All initiatives were developed through participatory process involving consulting with affected communities, community-based organizations, District and Divisional Secretaries and the Department of Social Services under the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.

¶ 12 Now, just to add a small thing, I do accept the fact that last year, the Office for Reparations has not been able to function to its optimum because the Office on Missing Persons’ inquiries were a little slow; they were not moving through because of lack of staff. So, because of that, the OR was not going as fast as it ought to have, but this year that problem has been solved. At the same time, we are preparing a package for missing persons, not just money, but a complete social package, a one-off, where they would get psychosocial support, other livelihood support and recognition as a special category of victims. So, that much, we are doing.

¶ 13 The Government is committed to advancing accountability through credible domestic processes.

¶ 14 The Government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation, human rights and well-being of all Sri Lankans arises from our genuine belief in the fundamental importance of human rights and the need to ensure the rights and well-being of our own people. The Government has the mandate and is firmly and sincerely committed to working towards a country that respects and celebrates the diversity of its people with no division or discrimination based on race, religion, class and caste. The Government is resolved not to leave room for resurgence of racism or extremism in Sri Lanka. As Sri Lanka moves forward on this path through its domestic processes, the understanding, encouragement and support of the international community is welcome and appreciated.

¶ 15 Let me say just a few lines to finish off. Once again, I would like to thank you, Hon. Member, for raising all these questions. As much as we are pushing, I would also prefer things to happen a little faster. But, believe me, we are on the correct direction. And, wherever we are having shortcomings, Hon. Member, I am very glad and very happy to engage with you.

¶ 16 Especially with regard to prisoners, prison overcrowding and those issues, right now, a Committee is working on it, and soon, we will be able to sort out most of them.

¶ 17 I once again thank you very sincerely for the Question raised.