By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Colombo, March 17 (Daily Mirror) – The commission which looked into what is called the torture chamber in Batalanda way back in 1989 has faulted Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in addition to the then government, for engaging in severe acts of violence, during the given period.

The report said JVP has engaged in terrorism.

“JVP had launched a fearful insurrection against the government from 1987 to 1990. This insurrection had made all essential services come to a standstill. People have been immensely affected by these acts. The JVP killed politicians, political activists and civilians. These acts committed by Deshapremi Janatha Viyaparaya (DJV) cannot be forgotten and forgiven,” the commission report which was tabled in Parliament last week revealed.

The commission report had carried a detailed description on the attack which the JVP launched on the Sapugaskanda Police which killed the OIC and few other officers attached to it.

“The then Sri Lankan government has not dealt with the insurrection in accordance with the law as extra-judicial killings and abductions have taken place during the given period. Ruling party politicians including the then Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have been involved in the process of dealing with the subversives together with the police the report further said.

“JVP terrorism has been dealt with by state terrorism,” the report therefore said.

The report had revealed that Mr. Wickremesinghe had played a role in handing over the buildings of the State Fertilizer Manufacturing Corporation in Batalanda to the security forces.

The commission report has also revealed that the then State Minister of Defence Ranjan Wijeratne prevented taking action against those who were found to be involved in the abduction and killing of journalist Richard de Zoysa. Also, the then government paid fees for the lawyers who appeared on behalf of three police officers indicted in connection with the killing of Wijedasa Liyanarachchi according to the report.

The commission has recommended that the police should carry out a fresh investigation on the extra-judicial killings and abductions while legal action has also to be taken against those responsible. It has further recommended introducing a guideline to politicians on how they should work with law enforcement officers.

The debate on the commission report is expected to be taken up on April 10, 2025.