Leader of the National People’s Party (NPP) and one time Propaganda Secretary of the JVP Wimal Weerawansa accused the Government of bringing back the “Batalanda Commission” for a media spectacle instead of a genuine concern for those who suffered during the 1988-1990 period.
In a lengthy statement posted on his X account, Mr. Weerawansa said bringing back the “Batalanda Commission” for a media spectacle, long after the real Batalanda perpetrators should have been held accountable for crimes against humanity, does not do justice to the victims or to history.
The NPP leader said that former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga was the one who showed the most shock about the Batalanda torture chamber and the lives of Sri Lankans who were brutally treated there but in more than ten years in power, no punishment was meted out to any of the accused.
However, she was able to win several elections based on the public outrage and shock caused by the Batalanda torture chamber,he said.
‘Our view regarding the Batalanda Commission report is that this is again heading in that direction,’ he said.
The NPP leader said that almost forty years have passed since the incidents and many of the witnesses/responsible persons are dead or in the twilight of their lives. He said the Commission made several recommendations for the implementation of which legislative, executive and judicial action is required.
‘We have all seen the leadership of the current National People’s Power government, which has worked very closely politically with the leader of the United National Party, who is accused of the “Batalanda incidents” in recent history. During the Yahapalana government (2015-19), when Ranil Wickremesinghe was the Prime Minister, a former Attorney General has stated that he met the current President Anura Dissanayake at his official residence more than Prime Minister Ranil. Who can accept that two groups that have maintained such political closeness have suddenly become estranged by the public announcement of a “Batalanda Commission” today,’ he said.
Mr. Weerawansa added that there would be absolutely no justice for the victims from this administration.
On behalf of the National Freedom Front, Mr. Weerawansa also expressed his deepest condolences for the lives of Sri Lankans lost and tortured at the Batalanda torture chambe
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