Strengthening Rule of Law for Victims Key to National Prosperity: UN Resident Representative

26-Mar-2026

.

A country’s prosperity ultimately depends on the extent to which the rule of law for victims is strengthened, stated United Nations Resident Representative to Sri Lanka, Marc-André Franche.

He emphasised that the right of affected communities to demand truth, justice and accountability cannot be erased, even after decades of uncertainty.

During his visit to Jaffna earlier this week, the UN Resident Representative met a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society representatives, political leaders, relatives of the forcibly disappeared, and government officials such as the Northern Province Governor.

On March 24, he met families of the disappeared and listened to their concerns. In a post on his official X platform, he reiterated that national prosperity is rooted in strengthening justice for victims and that prolonged uncertainty cannot negate their rights.

He also met Member of Parliament Sivagnanam Sritharan, during which concerns were raised about delays in holding Provincial Council elections and the resulting governance gaps, particularly in the Northern Province.

Discussions further focused on the need to prioritise collective recovery efforts, youth employment, and strengthening the Northern Province economy.