The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today views are being presented about torture that took place at the Batalanda Housing Scheme. We strongly condemn that injustice, lawlessness and cruelty. As those born in the North and East, we deeply feel this as a crime against humanity. Action is necessary. Those who suffered torture there and died—whatever form their souls now take—we cannot digest the cruelty they faced. We welcome action on this matter.

¶ 02 Likewise, torture and abuses occurred in the provinces. Our Members said rightly that whether in the North, East or South, action must be taken against injustice and lawlessness. Whether wrongs were committed against Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims or Burghers, appropriate remedies must be provided.

¶ 03 Those who wielded authoritarian power at that time committed these atrocities. Reading this report on Batalanda makes our bodies and minds shudder; such horrific torture occurred. Those trained in torture who abused JVP youths in 1988–1989 later came to Batticaloa around 1990. I must mention what they did.

¶ 04 On 09.09.1990, under Captain Tissa Warnakulasuriya’s team at Sathurukondan, a cordon-and-search was conducted. During this operation, 186 civilians, including families, were arrested—42 were children under 10; 116 between 11 and 59; and 28 over 60. Five children with special needs were among them. All were taken to a camp known as “Boys’ Town,” under Colonel Percy Fernando, with Captains Tissa Warnakulasuriya and Herath Wijayanayake involved. That night, all 186 were hacked to death. Women were subjected to sexual assault and then killed. Bodies were burned in pits; remnants are reportedly still found. These trainers from Batalanda massacred 186 civilians in one night at Sathurukondan. Investigations were held, but justice is yet to be delivered—35 years have passed.

¶ 05 After 37 years from Batalanda, since you have come to power, you have opened doors to justice. Similar killings and torture occurred in the North and East. All are equal before the law; thus, the doors you opened must also open in the North and East. Those who committed injustice must be prosecuted and punished. The Batalanda Report concludes with five dicta, including that even amid provocation or anger, state actors must act under the law; and that impunity leads to recurrent crimes.

¶ 06 You have done well to arrest many perpetrators of killings in the East. Professor Ravindranath was an innocent academic; he resigned and stayed at home, yet was abducted and murdered.

¶ 07 Hon. Presiding Member, please allow me one more minute. I thank you for arresting the suspect believed to be the mastermind of that murder, for killers must be arrested.

¶ 08 Separately, after the new President’s election, applications were called on 19.10.2024 by the Road Development Authority to appoint Managers, Grades I and II, and interviews were held. However, appointments have not been issued. In the interest of clean, proper administration, appointments—including to the Eastern Province Director and other posts—should be made. I conclude. Thank you.