Amnesty International warns of entrenched impunity as Sri Lanka marks 17 years since the war’s end

May 18, 2026 at 4:41 PM

Amnesty International South Asia has warned that Sri Lanka’s failure to deliver on repeated commitments for credible investigations into wartime abuses continues to undermine reconciliation and durable peace.

“The commemoration underscores the continued and urgent need for truth, justice, and reparations for the credible allegations of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law committed during the conflict, as documented by United Nations investigations,” the organization said in a statement marking the 17th anniversary of the end of the armed conflict. 

Amnesty noted that despite pledges by successive governments, including the current administration, “entrenched impunity” persists, leaving survivors without redress. 

The group stressed that accountability remains essential for reconciliation and for Sri Lanka to meet its obligations under international law.

Thousands of Tamil survivors and families gathered at Mullivaikkal today to honour those who lost their lives and to bear witness to the suffering endured during and at the end of the war. 

Community representatives reiterated that meaningful engagement with the government depends on addressing longstanding grievances and ensuring accountability for past abuses.

“We stand in solidarity with their pursuit of justice,” Amnesty International South Asia added. (Newswire)