Dharman Wickremaratne pens the all-encompassing ‘Comrade Lionel’

From left, Lionel Ranasinghe, after his arrest by the Horana Police Station on 12 April 1987, and after his arrest on 14 March 1989

Dharman Wickremaratne is a prolific author whose 51 books range from media studies to Sri Lanka’s waterfalls. He has also extensively covered the bloody history of Sri Lanka’s JVP-led uprisings. 

‘Comrade Lionel’ is his latest work and narrates the fascinating story of Lionel Ranasinghe, the shooter responsible for 41 assassinations including filmstar turned politician Wijeya Kumaratunga, police DIG Terence Perera, and vice-chancellor of the University of Colombo, Prof. Stanley Wijesundara. In his usual fashion, the author has documented this story in great detail, based on eyewitness accounts, statements given to the police, letters, official memos, entries and other documents. Illustrations include rare photographs of the shooter.

‘Comrade Lionel’ is published by the author and can be obtained from leading bookshops (priced at Rs. 1,500).