Kilinochchi families of the disappeared protest on Independence Day

4 February 2026 06:52 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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Colombo, Feb. 4 (Daily Mirror) - Relatives of persons who went missing during Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil war staged a protest in Kilinochchi town today (04), coinciding with the country’s 78th Independence Day, declaring that they have no true freedom without their missing loved ones.

Protesters hoisted black flags and wore black armbands, stating that although 17 years have passed since the end of the war, they remain without any information about the fate of their relatives who disappeared during the conflict. They emphasized that independence holds no meaning in the absence of their family members and said that despite years of continuous protests demanding truth and justice, no government has so far provided them with answers or accountability.

The protest march began near the Kandaswamy Kovil in Kilinochchi and proceeded through the town. Participants carried black flags, wore black armbands, and displayed posters and banners declaring that they were observing a “black freedom” rather than celebrating Independence Day.

Representatives of Tamil political parties, families of the missing and disappeared from the Northern and Eastern Provinces, and members of civil society organizations also participated in the demonstration.

Comments - 7

R Navaratnam Wednesday, 04 February 2026 08:33 PM

Honourable President; these people voted for you and you have the responsibility to bring a closure on this. Furthermore you promised on your election campaign to bring a closure. I encourage you to act positively.. If I may add, please bring a closure for the current PTA. Also please take necessary steps to hand over the illegally occupied land by the administration to the owners.

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Let’s consider the facts logically…. Wednesday, 04 February 2026 10:17 PM

So who are these disappeared people? So many fled the country and live elsewhere. Significant numbers died in combat as tigers. Let’s not forget those who died in bunkers during the tsunami. So, my question is this; how are these groups distinguished from genuine cases? Naturally, putting them altogether fits a political agenda, but this will challenge credibility.

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Facts first Wednesday, 04 February 2026 10:25 PM

If a person deliberately starts a fire, and then loses their loved ones and property in the process, what do they expect? We did not start this war. We were subjected to terrorism even in public places, including schools. What about our lost loved ones? Do we demand answers? Perhaps we should, including reparation for the death and destruction caused by the tigers and their supporters!

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Mandayan Friday, 06 February 2026 03:36 AM

Really, are you talking about JVP and putting young men into the burring tyre alive and pack in sacks alive and throwing into the river. You expect the mothers of north to go quiet like the mothers in the south. Do you remember Dr. Manorani Saravanamuttu, mother of journalist Richard de Zoysa and fought until last breath for justice for his son's murder. Do you remember ASP during the JVP time, Udugambola who Time magazine said, a cop with a licence to Kill in SL. You are living in a cursed country and you expect people to forget their pain over loved one, right?

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There was loss on both sides! Wednesday, 04 February 2026 10:32 PM

Well, what about our loss? Loss is a two way process.

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Dilipkumar Wednesday, 04 February 2026 11:24 PM

Very sad...no one voicing for the voiceless

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THE TRUTH Wednesday, 04 February 2026 11:51 PM

When Tamil's right to self-determination is recognized. then Sri Lanka become a truly independent country.

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