The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees.

¶ 02 In this debate on the Batalanda torture site, I begin from the conclusions. The Report records that 1988–1990 was a period when JVP-led terrorism escalated and, simultaneously, forces within and outside Government engaged in grave counter-crimes. External vigilante groups acted with the blessings of the armed forces and police, and at times jointly with them. The focus was on eliminating suspects rather than due process; abductions and extrajudicial killings became part of state practice. The Government failed to take sufficient measures to prevent such acts and afforded protection to alleged perpetrators. It also records interference by a Deputy Minister of Defence in law enforcement and cites instances where action against senior police officers implicated in murders (e.g., journalist Richard de Zoysa) was obstructed; and where, in the case of the murder of Attorney-at-Law Wijedasa Liyanarachchi, the State paid legal fees for defence counsel of accused police officers, as per the Attorney General’s charge sheets—serious matters set out in the Report.

¶ 03 Our country saw grave crimes against humanity, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances during the southern insurrection and also during the war in the North and East. Many commission reports documenting such abuses have remained in archives for decades without implementation. This is a legally constituted Commission’s report. Therefore, beyond debating, the Government must investigate those named, prosecute where warranted, and ensure accountability—so such crimes do not recur.

¶ 04 When steps are taken according to recommendations in reports on the final phase of the war and other periods, some politicians claim that those who “fought for the country” are being betrayed. The issue is not how many reports we table, but whether we implement their findings. Accountability deters future violations. I urge the Government to implement the recommendations of this and other commissions so that Sri Lanka becomes a peaceful country for all communities.

¶ 05 Thank you.