The Batalanda Commission Report, spanning 14,000 pages including annexes and notes, contains numerous hidden details that have remained undisclosed to the world.
During the operation of the Batalanda torture chamber, Ernest Perera served as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Sri Lanka. His testimony is a crucial part of the commission’s findings.
Excerpt from the Batalanda Commission Report:
Question:
“Did the political executive, in collaboration with the police, not only suppress genuine terrorists but also use this as a pretext to target their political opponents?”
Ernest Perera – Former Inspector General of Police:
“Yes, there were several such incidents.”
This testimony by former IGP Ernest Perera before the Batalanda Commission confirms that a political witch hunt took place under the guise of suppressing the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) armed struggle.
On 25th of August 1988, when lawyer Wijeyadasa Liyanarachchi disappeared, Ernest Perera had been in office as IGP for about a month. Before the commission, he revealed key details about this high-profile case.
Following Liyanarachchi’s disappearance, his senior lawyer Ranjith Abeysuriya and others intervened, making inquiries from various authorities. The commission report states that Tangalle Police Superintendent Karavitige Dharmadasa had reportedly informed the then-IGP that Liyanarachchi was in Tangalle police custody.
However, according to Ernest Perera’s testimony, on 31st of August 1988, at noon, then-Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe made a phone call to him.
Excerpt from the Batalanda Commission Report:
Lawyer:
“On 31st of Wednesday, August 1988, at noon, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed me to bring the suspect to the Special Operations Unit in Kelaniya.”
Former IGP:
“Yes, that was the outcome of those discussions. I acknowledge that.”
Lawyer:
“Did you conceal the truth?”
Former IGP:
“He confirmed the decision.”
Lawyer:
“Did you have telephone conversations with Ranil Wickremesinghe at that time?”
Former IGP:
“Yes.”
Lawyer:
“Did Ranil Wickremesinghe request to bring Liyanarachchi to the Sapugaskanda police?”
Former IGP:
“Yes.”
Question:
“Why did Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe want the suspect brought to Colombo and then handed over to the special unit operating in Kelaniya?”
Former IGP:
“After leaving the ministry, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe called me and instructed to hand over the suspect to the Kelaniya unit. Therefore, I assumed that Ranil Wickremesinghe would inform the Secretary of Defense about this.”
The Fate of Wijeyadasa Liyanarachchi
According to the commission report, former IGP Ernest Perera ordered that lawyer Wijeyadasa Liyanarachchi be handed over to Assistant Superintendent of Police Douglas Peiris, who resided in the Batalanda housing complex. The report suspects that Liyanarachchi was taken from Tangalle to the Batalanda torture chamber.
On 2nd of September 1988, at 11 P.M., Liyanarachchi was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital’s emergency unit in critical condition.
He passed away at 12:55 AM in the intensive care unit.
Excerpt from the Batalanda Commission Report:
“The post-mortem examination was conducted by Colombo Judicial Medical Officer Dr. L.B. de Alwis. According to his findings, Wijeyadasa Liyanarachchi died due to shock and hemorrhage caused by multiple muscle and skeletal injuries inflicted by blunt weapons.”
Unanswered Questions
- Why was Wijeyadasa Liyanarachchi, detained in Tangalle, ordered to be taken to Batalanda?
- Was there a political motive behind his murder?
- Is it not time to ensure justice for these crimes and prevent them from being buried forever?
