Office chaired by CBK backs certificate of absence

The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation chaired by former President, Chandrika Kumaratunge, has hailed the move to issue a ?Certificate of Absence? to the families of persons reported missing.

?Repeated calls by families of the disappeared to the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation have been rewarded,? it said in a statement.

A Cabinet decision of 11 September 2015 based upon a Memorandum by the Ministry of Home Affairs makes provision for issuance of a ?Certificate of Absence? to the families of persons reported missing.

Families of missing persons who are not convinced of the death of their relatives are eligible to receive the Certificate of Absence. This will give them access to various entitlements granted by the State.

The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, chaired by former President, Chandrika Kumaratunge, was established in April 2015.

The mandate of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation is to promote and provide for a society that respects fundamental rights, equality and diversity to achieve lasting reconciliation in the country. (Colombo Gazette)