A Message of Apology, Solidarity, and Commitment from Lasantha Mendis
On behalf of the Love Jaffna team and the Avanka Lanka Foundation, I wish to offer a heartfelt and public apology to our Tamil and Muslim brothers and sisters who have endured immense injustice, suffering, and hardship during and in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s decades-long internal conflict.
With deep sorrow and remorse, we acknowledge the tragedies of Black July, the atrocities at Mullivaikkal, and the violence in Digana, Aluthgama, and other such places—isolated in geography perhaps, but collectively scarring for thousands whose lives were irrevocably changed. To all those who suffered: we are truly, profoundly sorry.
We also express our sincere regret for our silence—our blindness, our ignorance, and our failure to raise our voices when you most needed us. We should have stood with you in solidarity, and for our inaction, we take full responsibility.
In particular, we extend our apologies to Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen and Attorney-at-Law Mr. Hejaaz Hizbullah. We deeply regret the injustices they faced, and our passivity in the face of those wrongs.
While we cannot undo the past, we firmly believe that through our present and future actions, we can help shape a more just and inclusive Sri Lanka. It is with this spirit that we pledge the following:
To stand with the parents, spouses, and families of those still missing as a result of the war, and to support efforts to provide them with meaningful relief and closure.
To support the more than 60,000 women-headed households in the Northern Province, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.
To assist the over 14,000 rehabilitated ex-combatants in finding a renewed sense of purpose and living lives worthy of respect and opportunity.
To uplift the marginalized youth of the North, whose aspirations have been dimmed by conflict, and help them rediscover ambition and direction.
To empower young entrepreneurs in the region through demand-driven support, so they may realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
We strongly believe that Sri Lanka’s prosperity is inextricably tied to the development of the Northern and Eastern provinces. Yet we also recognize that these regions cannot thrive in isolation—they must be integrally connected to the South and the rest of the nation for truly inclusive progress.
We invite you to connect with us—guide us, partner with us, and let us know how best we can support and stand beside you. Together, let us work toward building a nation where every citizen, regardless of ethnicity or faith, can proudly say they are a child of Mother Lanka—truly Sri Lankan in every sense.
Together we can!
Sri Lanka can!
Lasantha Mendis
Founder
Avanka Lanka Foundation
Sri Lanka