The Department confirmed that the first stage of the debate will run from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., focusing on the ‘Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Establishment and Maintenance of Places of Unlawful Detention and Torture Chambers at the Batalanda Housing Scheme,’ which was tabled in Parliament last Friday (14) after 27 years.

The second stage of the debate is scheduled for May, ensuring a comprehensive discussion over two days.

The Batalanda Commission report was formally presented to Parliament by Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake, who had previously stated that a full two-day debate was necessary to examine its findings.

Minister Rathnayake also disclosed that President Anura Kumara Disanayake, through a Cabinet decision, had directed that action be taken based on the report’s recommendations. As part of this process, the Government has decided to refer the report to the Attorney General for legal review, and a Presidential Committee has been appointed to guide and recommend further actions.

Rathnayake also revealed that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had been named in the report concerning certain allegations.

In response, Wickremesinghe yesterday made a special statement and added that he refutes the accusations levelled against him.