During Sri Lanka's 26-year civil war, which ended in 2009, tens of thousands of people were abducted by the state and various armed groups. Most cases remain unsolved.
"This award is not for me. The award is for the families who have fought for over 35 years without giving up," Fernando said in a press release.
For over 30 years, he has brought together families from Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim communities across large parts of Sri Lanka in a common fight for truth, justice and accountability.
The Per Anger Prize, the Swedish government's international prize for human rights and democracy, will be awarded on March 24.
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