Government Figures on Missing Persons Are Unrealistic; MP Shanakiyan

21-Mar-2026

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MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam criticised the government’s claim that 2,764 people went missing during the final phase of the war in 2009, calling the figure unrealistic.

Speaking in Parliament on March 20, he noted that Tamil community estimates place the number at around 160,000, while international organisations estimate between 60,000 and 70,000.

He questioned why remains recovered from Chemmani have not been subjected to international forensic analysis and criticised reliance on domestic mechanisms that lack public trust.

He also raised concerns about the composition of the Office for Reparations, noting that three out of five members have military links.

He further highlighted that university students in Jaffna are being questioned by anti-terrorism authorities for exercising their rights.

He concluded that justice for victims remains unfulfilled and urged the government to allow international investigations.