Office on Missing Persons submits interim report to the President and PM

Colombo (News 1st) - The Office on Missing Persons (OMP) handed it's interim report to the President and Prime Minister on Wednesday (September 05). The report was compiled by the Office of Missing persons headed by Presidents Counsel Saliya Peiris. The interim report contains recommendations for interim relief as well as securing truth, justice and memorialisation for victims of enforced disappearances. The OMP in its interim report had noted that the Incorporation of the Crimes of Enforced disappearances into domestic law remains inadequate. The report also recognized the critical need for justice to address the issues of the missing and disappeared. The includes several interim relief proposals.

1. The implementation of a financial aid programme to provide a monthly allowance of Rs. 6000 to the surviving spouse, children and parents of these missing persons, who have no permanent income.
2. Introduction of a scholarship scheme under the Ministry of Education for the children of missing persons in the form of a monthly allowance of Rs. 2000 to cover essential education expenses required for the completion of their primary and secondary education.
3. The introduction of an employment quota of 1% within the state sector for family members of the missing.

The commission report also recommends the amendment of section 6 of the Enforced disappearances Act to remove the exclusive jurisdiction of the Colombo High Court and grant jurisdiction to high courts where the offence occurred. The OMP is concerned that the behaviour of those enjoying state patronage helps in ensuring that enforced disappearances are continued to be met with impunity. The report also notes that there have been instances where members of the armed forces who were willing to provide information on disappearances were subject to harassment. The report also recommends the designation of a National day for the Disappeared. It further calls for the restoration of "Ahinsakaramaya" - a memorial for the innocents in Battaramulla.