The Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we are truly pleased. During the debate on the Batalanda Commission Report, Opposition Members spoke about many matters since morning, bringing all sorts of notes, but I did not see any Member discussing the actual content of the Batalanda Commission Report. Especially, regarding the accused and recommendations therein—about Ranil Wickremesinghe, Douglas Peiris, and others—not a single Opposition Member had the spine to speak a word. Instead, they went off on various tangents. As the Government, we should be happy to have such an Opposition, because if they keep talking nonsense, they will remain in the Opposition for a long time.

¶ 02 This Batalanda Commission was one that recorded evidence over a lengthy period. The Report totals 6,780 pages, distilled from extensive testimony. It clearly identifies who should be held responsible for the Batalanda incidents and who intervened. We must also understand that Batalanda was one of many torture camps run at the time by the United National Party (UNP) and its successors. There were numerous such camps. While we are discussing Batalanda today, this Parliament should, when necessary in future, also examine the other torture camps maintained across the country. We are ready for that.

¶ 03 As the organizer of the Biyagama electorate and as Minister of Youth Affairs and later of Industries and Scientific Affairs, Ranil Wickremesinghe gave leadership to the Batalanda torture camp at Sapugaskanda within the Biyagama electorate. Former local strongmen led similar camps in other districts: Matara Eliyakanda, Pelawatte, in front of the Ambilipitiya National School at Mahaweli officials’ quarters, Kalutara Sonthotota Watta, Galle...; at Agunakolapelessa Community Hall; Medirigiriya Ekanayaka Walawwa; Dambulla Pelwehera Government Farm; Polgolla Cooperative School; Banigama Watta; Kegalle Wickramasinghe Bungalow, and many others. These were run not by anyone else, but by the then UNP leadership—the very people whose political descendants are now in the SJB. Loyal officers were used to operate these torture camps.

¶ 04 Who led Batalanda? It was under Police Officer Douglas Peiris. Who is Douglas Peiris? He sat the ASP exam three times and failed three times. Thereafter, through undue influence, he was granted promotions—retroactive, triple promotions—contrary to normal procedure, elevating him over about 130 officers senior to him. That is how Ranil Wickremesinghe and, now, his political offspring in the SJB operated.

¶ 05 Subsequently, when this Commission proceeded and called for testimony, these accused could not come forward. Douglas Peiris fled abroad under a false name. The former IP at Batalanda, Nissanka, was summoned, but on the day he was to testify, he shot himself dead—because they knew that telling the truth would unravel who aided, managed, and intervened.

¶ 06 They ran an obedient state apparatus for killing while politicians provided protection. Using both the state machinery and paramilitaries such as “Pra,” “Kaha Ballo,” and “Kola Koti,” they slaughtered thousands of youths who rose for democracy. Many of us experienced their torture and illegal detention firsthand. Our desire then was to replace an unjust social order with a just one.

¶ 07 Opposition Members raised Matale mass graves. The largest identified mass grave so far is the Matale mass grave—155 people killed and buried in one pit. In Matale, about 20 camps were run, and around 7,000 of our dear comrades were killed. Those responsible must be held accountable. Though some now parade as great democrats, they endorsed the vile deeds carried out under the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe and R. Premadasa. Even if some current figures were not active then, their fathers and uncles were in power. They destroyed over 60,000 of our youth and today act as if ready to shake hands.

¶ 08 The Batalanda Commission Report concludes under “Concluding Observations” (p. 101g end): “We hope that such unfortunate and despicable acts will never again be seen in Sri Lanka.” These heinous acts were committed by the UNP leadership of the time, including Ranil Wickremesinghe. Action must be taken not only for Batalanda, but in the name of justice for all comrades who sacrificed their lives. Thank you.