Let us not forget those who have disappeared

                      

              By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

"My son has been missing since March 2009 from Puthumaththalan, Vanni" tearful Subathra Atputharasa

A Tamil mother of a missing son from the north weeps at the Monument for the Disappeared

It was a rare scene at the Monument for the Disappeared placed in Raddoluwa, Seeduwa, where the Tamil families from the north and east have come to commemorate.  These Tamil families began their emotional journey with tears pouring down from their eyes, in search of their loved ones, thinking their photos would be on the marble display at the Monument for the Disappeared, as soon as they arrived in Raddoluwa. But, all of these Tamil families were disappointed to see the person’s photo which they were looking for wasn’t there. It was a painful and tearful journey for many whose loved ones have gone missing over the past few decades. Women of the disappeared have surrendered to the Monument for the Disappeared, while men have mourned in silence.

“I am alone, and unable to do anything after my son has disappeared” emotionally shared Ashadevi Shanmugalingam, whose son has been missing since July 2006 from Colombo.

Families and friends of the disappeared gathered in front of the big and tall country's only Monument for the Disappeared, cleaned the photos with care, kissed them with love, prayed for their souls to rest in peace, one woman lit a candle in front of her missing loved one, wept endlessly and placed freshly plucked Red Anthuriums tied with green ferns while remembering them forever.

Ranjith Herath and M.Lionel were abducted, killed, burned, and their bodies were found at the Raddoluwa junction on 27^th of October 1989. Monument for the Disappeared against every single disappearance was inaugurated in 2000. The National Day for the Disappeared Persons has been commemorated by the families and friends of the disappeared since 1991. The annual commemoration event is organised by the Families of the Disappeared.

Brought with love in memory of her loved one who has gone missing during 1988~1989 JVP insurgency

Ashadevi Shanmugalingam sobbing as she pays tribute to the people who have gone missing

Photo display of those who have gone missing during 1988~1989 JVP insurgency

"Are they here?", Tamil families of the disappeared from the north on a collective look out

Families and friends of the disappeared paying tribute

Pushparani Jeyarasa's 19 year-old son has been missing since 23rd of March 2009 from Valaijarmadam

During an emotional speech by a mother of a missing son

Commemoration on the National Day for the Disappeared Persons

Decorated Monument for the Disappeared

Paying tribute with flowers and candle

Remembering the disappeared