31-12-2005 ICRC detention visits: ex-detainees share their experiences
Visits by ICRC delegates to those deprived of their freedom during armed conflict have been made to people all over the world since the height of the First World War. Here, former detainees express their thoughts and feelings about the ICRC's role in letters, interviews, speeches and other written testimonies.
A view from Sri Lanka
W.I. Loyala Fernando, the captain of the Sri Lankan vessel, "Iris Moana" was taken captive by Tamil Tiger fighters in October 1995 and held for three years. He later wrote to the ICRC to express his thanks for the visits, messages and assistance provided by delegates based in Sri Lanka.
In his letter Loyala Fernando says the family messages and parcels, medical support, food, clothes, reading material and sports equipment supported the crew during the time its members were deprived of their freedom.
During 2003, the ICRC visited more than 3,300 detainees in Sri Lanka, mainly held by the Sri Lankan government, in 44 places of detention. It also funded more than 140 family visits to detained relatives.
Read W.I Loyala's letter to the ICRC
26 November 2000
Dear Sir,
THANKING ALL DELEGATES IN SRI LANKA AND GENEVA
I take this opportunity to thank most warmly for your very excellent arrangement during my detained period (from October 13th 1995 to 25 October 1998). During this period, I was given my family messages/parcels, medical facilities, food, clothes, reading materials, sports equipment and our crew members morale was kept in high standards by your delegates. Sir I wish to mention that specially ICRC delegates engaged in Sri Lanka are excellent and tender a great deal.
Thank you,
Yours faithfully,
W.I FERNANDO
