The hunger strike staged by the relatives of some missing persons in Vavuniya was temporarily called off after the intervention of State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene.
The State Minister, upon the instructions of the President and Prime Minister visited Vavuniya on Thursday (26th January 2017) and met those staging the protest.During the discussion, State Minister Wjewardene lent a patient hearing to the demands of the protestors who were anxious to know what befell their loved ones who are still missing.
After successful discussions the protestors agreed to temporarily call of the hunger strike upon the State Minister's pledge to facilitate a meeting with relevant authorities within two weeks' time at the Temple Trees in Colombo.The State Minister offered a glass of water as a symbolic gesture to the protestors in order to end the hunger strike.
Speaking to the media State Minister Wijewardene said that we must look into this issue in a sensitive and humane way as all communities had faced difficulties during the war. A meeting would be held with representatives of the protestors within two weeks with the participation of Ministers Hon. Sagala Ratnayake, Hon. Wijedasa Rajapaksha, IGP and AG's Department officials.
The findings of the Police investigations being carried out now regarding the disappearance of these individuals will be informed to their relatives during the meeting, he further said.
