Meeting Held with Minister of Justice on the Release of Tamil Political Prisoners

A crucial meeting took place at the Ministry of Justice in Colombo between Justice Minister Dr. Harshana Nanayakkara, representatives of the organization Voice for the Voiceless, and family members of Tamil political prisoners who have been incarcerated for 15 to 30 years.

During the emotional encounter, family members recounted the deep psychological, social, and economic hardships they have endured due to the prolonged imprisonment of their loved ones. With tearful pleas, they urged the Minister to take swift action to secure their immediate release.

The delegation emphasized the humanitarian importance of resolving the issue of Tamil political prisoners — individuals who were detained as a result of Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict. Citing historical precedents such as the Indo-Lanka Accord, peace negotiations with the LTTE, the general amnesty granted to JVP members, and the post-war release of over 12,000 former LTTE cadres, the group called for a similar approach to be extended to those still in detention.

Special attention was also drawn to detainees held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), with calls for justice and their release.

In response, Minister Nanayakkara remarked, “I do not hear these concerns just with my ears, but with my heart.” He assured the attendees that steps would be taken within the legal framework to address the issue.

Noting that matters of general amnesty for political prisoners fall under the purview of the President, the Minister committed to bringing these concerns to the President’s attention and to pursuing ongoing follow-up actions.

This meeting followed a formal written request submitted earlier this year, in January 2025, to both the President and Prime Minister, urging them to address the longstanding grievances related to Tamil political prisoners.

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