Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

•  Affirms Govt. pressing ahead with Batalanda action 
• Claims Wickremesinghe was fully aware of details surrounding Batalanda incident, but remained silent for decades till Al Jazeera raised issue 
• Criticises UNP and SJB led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa for initially opposing Batalanda debate

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s response to the Batalanda Commission report came far too late, noting that the Government is proceeding with legal action based on its findings.

Speaking to the media, he pointed out that Wickremesinghe, more than anyone, was fully aware of the details surrounding the Batalanda incident, but remained silent for decades till Al Jazeera raised the issue in a recent interview earlier this month.

“For 35 years, he [Wickremesinghe] had the opportunity to speak, but he chose not to. Now that Al Jazeera has brought it to the light of the world, he suddenly wants to respond – but it is too late for him now,” Dr. Jayatissa said.  He affirmed the Government’s commitment to transparency, noting that the report was tabled in Parliament as promised, and that a two-day debate has been scheduled for 10 April and another session in May.

Dr. Jayatissa explained that the Government has decided to appoint a special committee to examine the matter further and will also refer the report to the Attorney General’s Department for legal review.

He also criticised the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa for initially opposing the debate, stressing that despite their objections, the Government ensured that the discussion would take place.

“This debate is crucial for democracy and justice in the country. The people have the right to know the truth,” Dr. Jayatissa asserted.