Govt ‘nonchalant’ about the disappeared
A female human rights activist, who received international awards in recognition of her struggle for her disappeared husband, claims that the rulers that came to power in the country were ‘nonchalant’ about serving justice for the forcibly disappeared.
“Justice is still far from us. We see and hear that justice is coming, and that justice will be served. However, that justice is still far away. It is not just a matter about me. There are so many people in this country who have lost their last rites. They are in the north, south, east, and everywhere. Women are still desperately weeping while asking for their loved ones. But, still, none of the rulers that come to power from time to time do not care about justice. In that context, We have to come back to those who can still extend their help in this country.”
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Sandya Eknelygoda, who has been in a constant struggle for justice for a decade and a half, made these remarks to the media after the Kannagi and determination poojas held at the Navagamuwa Paththini Dewalaya. These were held in commemoration of the 15-year anniversary of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda’s abduction and forced disappearance.
During the event, she had requested the country’s current rulers to punish the relevant culprits before the 16-year anniversary of Prageeth Eknaligoda’s forced disappearance.
“I request the rulers of this country to punish these criminals before the end of another year, i.e. before 24 January, 2026. Serve justice to the people who have taken to the streets demanding justice. When those criminals are penalized and our people get justice, we will be able to breathe a sigh of relief as free citizens of this country.”
Sandya Eknelygoda thanked those who extended their supported for the struggle that has been going on for a decade and a half seeking justice.
“We are of the belief that this renaissance government will serve justice for us and will show true renaissance, thereby changing the country. From today onward, we who sought the courts’ support will have to remain hopeful. I thank all those who supported me during the past 15 years.”
Journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda was forcibly disappeared on 24 January, 2010.
As a woman who became a symbol of thousands of relatives who disappeared during the war and previous insurgencies in Sri Lanka, Sandhya Eknalygoda was honored with the United Nations’ (UN) International Women of Courage Award in 2017.
United States (US) Assistant Secretary of State Thomas A. Shannon had said that the reason for her award was the courage that she demonstrated by going to courts seeking justice for more than eighty times despite the obstacles posed by various authorities to prevent her from exposing the truth abouot her disappeared husband Prgaeeth Ekneligoda.
