Six Years On: Families Waiting For Answers, Says UN

COLOMBO (News 1st); On the sixth anniversary of the devastating Easter Sunday attacks, Marc-André Franche, Resident Coordinator and Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Sri Lanka, emphasized the urgent need for answers and justice for the victims and their families.

"On behalf of the Secretary-General, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and our continued solidarity for the survivors, and all those who continue to carry the pain of that day," Franche stated. "The terrorist attacks were not only an assault on human life, they were an affront to the foundation of this diverse nation, built on coexistence that so many Sri Lankans across communities have worked arduously to build."

Franche highlighted that the grief of Easter Sunday transcends individual communities and moments in time, affecting the collective humanity. "Such violence, wherever it occurs, diminishes our shared humanity. Memorization is a form of justice that reaffirms the value of every life lost and our collective commitment to ensure that such acts of terrorism never take place again."

Six years after the attacks, the pursuit of truth and justice remains a pressing issue.

"Families and communities are still waiting for answers. Accountability is not only a legal responsibility, it is a moral imperative. Without it, wounds remain open, trust erodes, and the cycle of trauma continues. Every person affected by this tragedy has the right to know what happened."

Franche welcomed recent statements by the government, including the President, renewing their commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation. 

"The United Nations and the international community are not the arbiters of truth or justice, but we must reiterate at this year's commemoration how critical it is to follow due process transparently. This is essential for victims and society to get closure, but also for the legitimacy of the institutions that hold societies together."

He stressed that this need for justice and accountability extends beyond the Easter Sunday attacks to the broader context of national integration, reconciliation, growth, and sustainable development. "Only by confronting the past with honesty can a nation move forward with dignity. No community of belief should ever be blamed for the actions of violent extremism. We must remain united against all forms of hate, whether online or in communities."

Franche called for building bridges across faiths, communities, and borders, emphasizing that healing requires more than time—it requires listening, understanding, and dialogue. 

"The United Nations is committed to supporting initiatives that build bridges, protect and promote human rights, and foster reconciliation. The resilience of the survivors of this violence remains deeply moving, but it is not a burden they should shoulder alone. Long-term recovery must include mental health care, livelihood support, and community solidarity. No one should feel forgotten."