Enforced disappearance remains a deeply painful issue. The People Unite for Justice and Accountability (PUJA) project is dedicated to sharing the stories of victims, survivors, families and communities across ethnic divides. Through these narratives, the project aims to foster empathy and solidarity among the broader public. The PUJA team conducted field visits in the districts of Ratnapura and Puttalam, gathering 10 stories - seven from Sinhala families and three from Muslim families.
Mr. Sudath Wijekoon was a well-known farmer and businessman in the village of Aluth Eluwankulama in Puttalam. Known for his hard work and dedication to his family, Sudath provided for his wife Suneetha and their children through farming and running his business. However, their lives took a devastating turn on February 20, 2009 during the final stages of Sri Lanka’s civil war.
On that day, Sudath was transporting paddy to a grinding mill in his lorry when his journey was interrupted by a white van. The vehicle, a symbol of fear during the civil war, carried six armed men in military attire. According to witnesses these men forcibly abducted Sudath, leaving behind no trace of his whereabouts. Suneetha recalls the moment she learned of her husband's disappearance, a day that marked the beginning of an unending nightmare for their family.
Desperate to find her husband, Suneetha began an exhaustive search. She visited numerous detention camps hoping to catch a glimpse of Sudath or hear news of his fate. She filed complaints with the Puttalam police station and reached out to the ICRC, pleading for assistance. She even sought help from local politicians, hoping their influence could provide answers. Despite her relentless efforts, there was no information about her husband’s whereabouts.
The disappearance of Sudath Wijekoon plunged his family into economic and emotional despair. Suneetha struggled to provide for her children, their once stable life crumbling under the weight of uncertainty and loss. The absence of their father left an indelible mark on the children, particularly their eldest son, Buddika. Even after all these years, Buddika holds onto the hope that his father is alive somewhere and dreams of the day he will return home.
The story of Sudath Wijekoon is one of many tales of enforced disappearances that have scarred the fabric of society. It is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring pain of those left behind. For the Wijekoon family the search for truth and justice continues, fuelled by hope and the memories of a beloved father and husband.