This event, however, casts a long shadow over Sri Lanka, where notorious figures who have committed equally atrocious crimes remain free, living comfortably off public funds and evading the justice they so desperately deserve.

One such figure is Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former president and defence secretary. His name is synonymous with some of the darkest chapters in Sri Lanka’s history, particularly during the final stages of the civil war. The killing of Lasantha Wickrematunge, a courageous journalist and outspoken critic of the Rajapaksa regime, stands as a stark reminder of Rajapaksa’s complicity in war crimes and violations of human rights. Despite overwhelming evidence implicating him in war crimes, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the ruthless suppression of dissent, Rajapaksa remains unaccountable. Today, he continues to live a life of luxury funded by taxpayers, the very people who suffered under his governance. His lack of accountability for these crimes undermines the rule of law and the hopes of healing for a war-torn nation.

Equally troubling is the continued impunity of Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose alleged involvement in the notorious Batalanda torture chamber during the 1987-89 terror period has once again come into the mainstream following his recent interview with Al Jazeera. A presidential commission report, tabled in Parliament last week, along with several personal testimonies have suggested that Wickremesinghe was complicit in the human rights abuses carried out during this brutal period of repression, where political opponents, activists, and suspected militants were tortured and killed. Yet, Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe along with numerous high level alleged perpetrators have never faced proper legal scrutiny. Their political positions continue to provide them immunity from justice while their victims have suffered for over 50 years. Wickremesinghe however on Sunday denied allegations.

Be that as it may, the culture of impunity, where the powerful escape justice while the people suffer, must end. The arrest of Duterte may seem like a distant issue, but it should serve as a reminder to Sri Lanka that the time for accountability is long overdue. It is essential that Sri Lanka confronts its ugly past, not only for the sake of the victims but for the future of the country. The path forward requires that those responsible for crimes, including heads of state, be held accountable for their actions.

For Sri Lanka to truly move forward, the leadership must acknowledge and confront its historical wrongs. It is unfortunate that a Government led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, the main victims of the 1987-89 terror, have not found it necessary to deliver justice to its own members. They too have settled into complacency while hoping these ghosts of the past will just disappear if left alone. This, however, is wishful thinking. The victims of 50 years of State atrocities in Sri Lanka should not rest until there is justice. If the State is unwilling and incapable of delivering this, Rodrigo Duterte is a fine example to remember that there are other options.