COLOMBO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka has initiated efforts to develop a centralized national database on missing persons, partnering with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to address persistent gaps in documentation and coordination.
The initiative comes amid concerns over the lack of a single, reliable source of information, with records currently dispersed across multiple institutions. This fragmentation has limited the state's ability to maintain a consistent and verifiable account of cases.
Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara informed parliament that resolving these inconsistencies remains a priority, as the absence of a consolidated system has posed a long-standing challenge for authorities and affected families.
In response, the Office on Missing Persons has begun restructuring its approach, including improvements to data collection processes and coordination with law enforcement agencies and civil registries. Digital tools are also being introduced to enhance the accuracy and reliability of records. ■