Batalanda Commission faults JVP for acts of terrorism

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana
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.