Sri Lankan man seeks identity documents in India

A 37-year-old Sri Lankan man named Joy has submitted a petition to the Erode District Superintendent of Police requesting identity documents to facilitate his livelihood. Joy reported that he arrived in Rameshwaram, India, by boat at the age of seven in 1997 after being separated from his parents during a fishing trip.

Following his arrival, he was placed in a rehabilitation camp for Sri Lankan Tamils. He stated that after growing up, he was detained in Puzhal prison for over a year for allegedly attempting to return to Sri Lanka. Although a court later ordered his return to the rehabilitation camp, he claims he was denied formal identification and faced movement restrictions.

Joy has sought assistance from the Sri Lankan High Commission in Chennai, but reports that no progress has been made in locating his parents. Due to his lack of documentation, he is unable to secure formal employment and currently survives by teaching football and seeking food at local temples.