Parents weeping over 11 youths abducted by Navy

Families of the Disappeared (FOD) submitted a letter to the United Nations Office in Sri Lanka and several diplomatic missions in Colombo yesterday, 21st of September highlighting the failure of the authorities to deliver justice to the families of the victims of 11 youths allegedly abducted by a Sri Lanka Navy abduction for ransom gang between 2008 and 2009.

In the petition, the organization requested the agencies and missions to demonstrate to the Government that the international community is actively monitoring and expressing interest in this case, whether by attending court proceedings, engaging with Government officials, or through any other means available.

Parents of missing families staged a silent protest in front of the UN office demanding the government to expedite the case related to the abduction and disappearance of 11 persons by a Navy team in 2008.

After that, they went to the UN, European Union, British High Commissioner, Swiss and Australian embassies and handed over their petition.

It has been 15 years since 11 people were abducted and disappeared by a group of Navy personnel on September 18, 2008, in and around Colombo. The case regarding this abduction is still ongoing. Charges have been filed against 14 people and the former Navy Commander is the 14th accused. Although 15 years have passed, justice has not been served regarding this crime and the criminals are still at large, working in high positions in the government, Brito Fernando, the president of the Families of the Disappeared, told the media.

The Families of the Disappeared also called on the UN and diplomatic missions to provide backing to public campaigns that call for the continuous and expedited hearing of the case, avoiding further unnecessary delays.

“Only three family members are now able to appear on behalf of the victims in court, and they are elderly and in poor health. Tragically, another three have already passed away, they said.” Speaking to the media, Brito Fernando said.

Further, he added, “While the court case has been ongoing for nearly 15 years, no hearings were conducted at the trial bar since 2020 when it was initially appointed.” he said.

In 2009 an investigation commenced and a case was filed against a group of Navy officers suspected of running an abduction for ransom racket. The incident and those accused of supporting it included several Navy top brass.

The victims of the gang were identified as John Ried, Roshan Lyon, Amanan Lyon, Rajeev Naganathan, Pradeep Vishwanathan, Kasthuriarachchige Anton, Thygaraja Jegan, Thilakeswaram Ramalingam, Mohamed Sajid, Jamaldeen Dilan, Mohamed Ali Anver.

“It’s been 15 years since my only son was kidnapped and disappeared. It’s like thieves took my child who didn’t commit a crime to anyone who raised him for ten months. I am still waiting for my child to come home.

When the criminals are wearing uniforms with due respect getting promotions and living well, while the rulers of the country are looking after them and taking care of them, my only son, who was to be my only strength in my aging life, was taken away from me.” said the mother of enforced Disappearance Jamaldeen Dylan.

“I will not give up the fight. I get that justice from somewhere in this world. Nature will answer to the sinners of our children who were abducted from their mothers before long until we get justice for our tears that we bear up for 15 years in our painful eyes.” she said.

END.