Controversy Erupts Over Batalanda Report: Lawyer Accuses Political Figures of Inaction and Protectionism

A fresh wave of controversy has erupted following explosive statements by lawyer Chula Adhikari, a vocal supporter of the National People’s Power (NPP), regarding the long-dormant Batalanda torture chamber commission report.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Adhikari has made serious accusations against key political figures, reigniting debates on justice and accountability.

Key Accusations and Points

Inaction on the Batalanda Report

• Adhikari alleges that former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga showed little genuine interest in implementing the commission’s findings despite its release in 1997.
• He further criticizes the current government, suggesting that it may attempt to sidestep the report’s recommendations by forming yet another commission instead of taking concrete action.

Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Alleged Involvement

• The lawyer directly accuses President Ranil Wickremesinghe of facilitating the operation of the Batalanda torture chamber during his tenure as Minister of Industries.
• He asserts that evidence exists linking Wickremesinghe to providing land and facilities for the chamber’s operation.

Call for JVP Action

• Adhikari urges JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take decisive action regarding the Batalanda report, emphasizing that mere parliamentary approval is insufficient.
• He claims that both JVP members and the Sri Lankan public are waiting for Dissanayake to deliver justice on this matter.

Concerns Over Political Protectionism

• Adhikari raises concerns that Dissanayake may be shielding Wickremesinghe from accountability, drawing parallels to past instances where political figures protected each other.
• He directly questions why the JVP leader would defend Wickremesinghe, fueling speculation about potential political alliances.

Criticism of ‘Commission Culture’

• Adhikari condemns the growing trend of forming commissions, particularly referencing one allegedly created to protect Minister Tiran Alles.
• He argues that critical decisions should be made by Parliament, not by politically influenced commissions.

Background

The Batalanda torture chamber was allegedly used during the 1988-89 JVP insurrection, with the commission report detailing severe human rights violations, including torture and extrajudicial killings. The report has remained a source of political tension for decades, and Adhikari’s statements have once again thrust it into the spotlight.

These allegations have intensified public scrutiny of Sri Lanka’s political landscape, prompting fresh questions about justice, accountability, and the government’s willingness to address past atrocities.

📺 Full Video: Watch Here