Vigil and book launch in Kilinochchi demanding justice for the forcibly disappeared

01-Sep-2026

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A protest demanding justice for the forcibly disappeared was held in Kilinochchi on August 30, 2026, to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. The event was coordinated by Leeladevi Anandanadarajah, Secretary of the Association of Relatives of the Enforced Disappeared in the North and East.

The event was held in Kilinochchi district, where families of the forcibly disappeared began their roadside protest on February 20, 2017, demanding justice for their disappeared relatives.

A book documenting the prolonged struggle undertaken by the families of the forcibly disappeared in their demand for justice was also launched at the event.

Following the launch, relatives of the disappeared took part in the protest, demanding that the truth about what happened to their loved ones be revealed and that justice and accountability be ensured.

They subsequently participated in a memorial event carrying traditional camphor lamps.

They also stressed that the truth regarding what happened to the forcibly disappeared must be revealed and that international intervention was necessary in this matter.