Wickremesinghe to Address Batalanda Issue on Sunday

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to break his silence on the controversial Batalanda Commission Report, a document that has cast a long shadow over his political career. The report, tabled in Parliament earlier today by Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake, delves into alleged human rights abuses during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Wickremesinghe’s office announced that he will deliver a special statement on Sunday, March 16, promising to shed light on undisclosed aspects of the report that has implicated him in one of Sri Lanka’s darkest chapters.

Background: The Batalanda Commission Report

The Batalanda Commission was established in 1995 under then-President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to investigate allegations of illegal detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings at the Batalanda Housing Scheme during the 1988-1990 Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) insurrection. The housing complex, located in Wickremesinghe’s Biyagama electorate, was allegedly transformed into a detention center under the oversight of the United National Party (UNP)-led government, in which Wickremesinghe served as a senior minister.
The commission’s findings, submitted in 1998 and published as a sessional paper in 2000, accused Wickremesinghe of being “indirectly responsible” for the maintenance of unlawful detention sites and interfering in police operations. While it stopped short of direct culpability, the report suggested he had knowledge of the activities, including torture, occurring in close proximity to his residence and office within the complex. Despite these serious allegations, no legal action was pursued, and the report’s recommendations—such as revoking civic rights and prosecuting those responsible—remained unimplemented for over two decades.

Renewed Spotlight: A Controversial Interview

The tabling of the report in Parliament today comes on the heels of a contentious interview Wickremesinghe gave to Al Jazeera earlier this month. During the “Head to Head” program hosted by Mehdi Hasan, aired on March 6, the former president faced pointed questions about his alleged role in the Batalanda abuses. Wickremesinghe denied the accusations, controversially claiming the report was never formally tabled in Parliament—a statement contradicted by its status as a sessional paper since 2000. His remarks sparked outrage and reignited calls for accountability, prompting the current government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, to revisit the long-dormant document.
Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake, presenting the report today, emphasized its significance, noting that it had been “buried” by successive administrations. He announced that the report would be forwarded to the Attorney General for legal advice and that a special committee would be appointed to study its findings and recommend further action—a move signaling a potential shift toward addressing past impunity.

What to Expect: Wickremesinghe’s Response

Wickremesinghe’s upcoming statement, scheduled for Sunday, is being closely watched by political observers, human rights advocates, and the public alike. His office has hinted at “special revelations” regarding the facts and recommendations of the Batalanda Commission Report, though details remain scarce. Analysts speculate that the former president may seek to clarify his role, challenge the commission’s conclusions, or address discrepancies between his recent statements and historical records.

This development marks a critical juncture for Wickremesinghe, who has led the UNP since 1994 and served as Sri Lanka’s president and prime minister on multiple occasions. The Batalanda allegations have dogged his career, resurfacing periodically to challenge his legacy. His response could either bolster his defense or further fuel demands for justice from victims’ families and activists who have long sought closure.

Political Implications: A Nation Watches

The timing of Wickremesinghe’s statement, just two days after the report’s tabling, underscores the urgency of the issue in Sri Lanka’s current political landscape. The Dissanayake administration has positioned itself as committed to transparency and accountability, contrasting with previous governments accused of shielding powerful figures. The outcome of this renewed focus on Batalanda—whether it leads to legal proceedings or remains a political talking point—could shape public trust and the trajectory of justice in a country still grappling with its turbulent past.
As Sunday approaches, all eyes will be on Wickremesinghe to see how he navigates this latest chapter in the Batalanda saga, a story that refuses to fade from Sri Lanka’s collective memory.