Batalanda Commission Report Tabled in Parliament after 25 years
By Gagani Weerakoon -March 15, 2025
The Election Commission has extended several key deadlines concerning the upcoming Local Government Elections, although the official polling date is yet to be determined, pending the completion of the nomination process. Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake announced that the deadline for accepting postal vote applications, initially set to close at midnight on 12 March, has been extended until midnight on 17 March. Further, the deadline for depositing election deposits has been moved to noon on 19 March.
The nomination period will commence on 17 March and run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. until it concludes at noon on 20 March. Ratnayake noted that the Election Commission would announce the date of the Local Government Election only after reviewing any objections or incidental matters that arise following the submission of nominations. He also mentioned that the election would be held within a window of 35 to 49 days following the acceptance of nominations.
In a significant political development, the United National Party (UNP) has given the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) until 20 March to decide on the possibility of contesting the Local Government Elections jointly for the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). This decision came after discussions among senior UNP members, who further indicated that should the SJB be open to expanding the alliance to other Local Government bodies, an announcement could be made before the set deadline.
UNP Chairman Wajira Abeywardena officially conveyed the decision during an event at the UNP Headquarters, Sirikotha, where appointment letters were presented to the party’s Divisional Organisers. Party Leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe presided over the occasion. Abeywardena elaborated on the decision, stating that the SJB would have until 20 March to communicate their stance on participating in the elections, not just for the Colombo Municipal Council, but potentially for other Local Government institutions as well.
As the date for the Local Government Elections approaches, political activity in the Northern and Eastern provinces has been intensifying. These provinces are rallying behind their preferred political factions, with calls for unity within the different groups.
The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has already made a deposit for the upcoming election in Jaffna, with ITAK General Secretary and President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran paying the deposit for 17 local councils in the region. Similarly, the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) has made its deposit, intending to contest all 17 local councils in Jaffna under the ‘Bicycle’ symbol of the All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC). The TNPF has launched its campaign with optimism, hoping to garner widespread support for the party led by Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam.
The National People’s Power (NPP), under the leadership of Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, has expressed confidence in securing governance across all 17 local councils in Jaffna. After overseeing the submission of deposits at the Jaffna Elections Office, Minister Chandrasekar shared his optimism for the party’s chances in the election. Several NPP MPs and party members, including Karunainathan Ilangumaran, Jayachandramurthy Rajeevan, and Shanmuganathan Sripavanandarajah, were present at the event, reinforcing the party’s commitment to the campaign.
Meanwhile, six political parties and nine independent candidates have made their deposit payments to contest the Local Government Elections in Batticaloa. Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillaiyan, the leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), confirmed that his party would field candidates in 11 local councils in the area.
In reflecting on these developments, it is evident that the political landscape is growing increasingly active as various parties and groups prepare for the upcoming elections. From the strategic manoeuvrings in Colombo to the enthusiasm in the Northern and Eastern provinces, the period leading up to the election promises to be a time of intense political engagement, with alliances, decisions, and campaigns shaping the course of the race for local governance. The upcoming weeks will likely provide further clarity on whether the UNP and SJB can reach an agreement, and how the various provincial factions will position themselves in the race for Local Government power.
Batalanda report
The Batalanda Commission report was tabled in Parliament by the Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake, a significant moment in Sri Lanka’s ongoing reckoning with its past.
The report’s Concluding Observation Notes offer a chilling account of one of the darkest and most violent periods in Sri Lanka’s history, spanning from 1988 to 1990. This era, marked by a cycle of terror, saw the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) engage in widespread insurgency, met with brutal countermeasures from State and non-State actors alike, often operating outside the law.
The Commission’s findings are stark: forces beyond the formal government structure, including shadowy “search teams,” engaged in extrajudicial actions with the tacit approval of law enforcement and elements within the Government. The report highlights the coordinated efforts of these groups, alongside official Security Forces, to suppress the insurgency through kidnappings, assassinations, and other illicit means. It notes that while the Government was determined to crush the insurrection, it did so without regard for the legality or morality of the methods employed.
Evidence presented to the Commission underscores the failure of the Government to prevent extrajudicial killings and its active role in shielding those responsible. One particularly striking example was the testimony of the then Inspector General of Police, who revealed that a senior Police officer implicated in the murder of journalist Richard de Zoysa was shielded from arrest by interference from the then Deputy Minister of State Security. Similarly, government funds were reportedly used to cover the legal expenses of Police officers indicted for the murder of lawyer Wijedasa Liyanarachchi.
The report also recognises the devastating impact of the JVP’s violent actions, which led to the deaths of hundreds of politicians, Police officers, and civilians, and severely disrupted essential services. Yet, the Commission firmly condemns the Government’s response, arguing that the State’s resort to counterterrorism through terror only exacerbated the violence. It points to the infamous Batalanda torture camp as a grim symbol of these excesses.
In its conclusion, the Commission asserts: “No matter the extent of provocation by the JVP, the Government should never have sanctioned or directed extrajudicial actions in response. The attempt to suppress terrorism with State terrorism resulted not only in the elimination of actual insurgents but also in the deaths of many innocent young people who had no involvement in illegal activities.”
In light of these findings, the Commission has made several key recommendations to ensure such atrocities are never repeated. These include:
1. Legislative Reforms: A Code of Conduct for politicians regarding their role in law enforcement during emergencies and proposed amendments to the Constitution to reinforce accountability.
2. Judicial Oversight: Granting magistrates investigative powers to examine illegal detention centres and human rights abuses, ensuring these cases are referred to the Attorney General for prosecution.
3. Accountability for Law Enforcement: The Inspector General of Police was urged to investigate Police officers implicated in crimes such as abduction, murder, and unlawful detention, with appropriate disciplinary action taken.
4. Enhanced Judicial Powers: Empowering the Supreme Court with additional jurisdiction to impose penalties, such as the deprivation of civil rights, on individuals found guilty of repeatedly violating citizens’ fundamental rights.
Minister Bimal Rathnayake assured Parliament that steps would be taken to forward the Batalanda Commission report to the Attorney General for necessary legal advice and that a special Presidential Committee would be appointed to study the findings. Further, he confirmed that a two-day debate on the 25-year-old report would be held in Parliament at a suitable time. The Minister also announced that the report would be printed in all three official languages and made available to both MPs and the public.
Reflecting on the history of the report, it is clear that the Batalanda Commission was appointed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, with the report handed over to her in May 1998. Despite the Government Press being directed to print 750 copies of the report in Sinhala and Tamil, the then-President failed to present it either to Parliament or the Attorney General, allowing the document to become a political tool rather than a means of justice.
Minister Rathnayake remarked that the current National People’s Power (NPP) Government, which came to power with the support of millions who had suffered during the dark period of 1988–1989, has now taken the step of presenting the report to Parliament and the Attorney General to correct the historical narrative.
The Minister also criticised the United National Party (UNP) for its role in establishing the Executive Presidency in 1977 without a referendum, passing laws such as the Anti-Terrorism Bill to suppress Sinhala and Tamil movements, and suspending the employment of 100,000 individuals who protested in 1983. The Batalanda torture camp, set up during this time, stands as one of the most heinous legacies of that era.
The Commission’s report, which was finalised in 1998, stands as a testament to the bravery of those who testified, hoping for justice, even as many of the perpetrators remain unaccountable, some still occupying high positions of power. Despite the report being handed to the then President and a copy being submitted to the National Archives, no legal action was taken. Recently, the main accused in the Batalanda torture chambers even acknowledged in an interview with Al Jazeera that, to his knowledge, a copy of the report had never been presented to Parliament.
In this context, the presentation of the Batalanda Commission report to Parliament by Minister Rathnayake represents an important step towards confronting the past and seeking accountability for the atrocities committed during this turbulent period in Sri Lanka’s history.
UNP and SJB union
At a recent wedding ceremony, Ranil Wickremesinghe had a chance encounter with his old friend, Ranjith Maddumabandara, the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). During their conversation, they reflected on the shifting dynamics of the Muslim vote in past elections. Notably, while the Muslim vote in the Eastern and Northern provinces had remained largely unchanged, they observed that in other regions, there had been a discernible shift. Ranil remarked, “I thought the Muslim votes we didn’t receive would go to Sajith,” subtly acknowledging the complexities of the electoral landscape.
Their discussion briefly touched upon the issue of presenting candidates for municipal councils, though neither seemed inclined to take a firm stance on the possibility of a joint contest. It was a conversation marked by a sense of reflection on past strategies, without any immediate plans for collaboration.
On Thursday morning, the United National Party (UNP) held an event at its headquarters in Sirikotha, where electoral organisers were formally given their appointment letters. The ceremony, however, was not without controversy. During the proceedings, former MP Lakshman Wijemanne raised a contentious issue, leading to a heated exchange. As he received his letter as seat organiser, Wijemanne addressed Wickremesinghe directly, saying, “Sir, I have something to tell you. I have done a lot of work for the party. When Rajitha came, he took all the credit and worked alone.” His words reflected a deep sense of frustration, suggesting a perceived lack of recognition for his own contributions to the party.
Simultaneously, two other electoral organisers expressed their opposition to some of the appointments, contributing to the tension in the room. In response, Wickremesinghe, ever composed, urged calm and responded, “I respect your instructions.” His measured response helped defuse the situation, and the organisers, albeit reluctantly, returned to their seats.
UNP Chairman Wajira Abeywardena, in his address, sought to reassure the gathering of the party’s unity in preparation for the upcoming provincial elections. He praised Wickremesinghe for his efforts in maintaining that unity and emphasised that discussions regarding a potential alliance with the SJB were being managed by a team led by Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene and General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale.
Later, Lakshman Wijemanne decided to leave the UNP and join the SJB. In explaining his departure, he said, “I risked my life for the UNP and its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. However, the party had appointed Rajitha Senaratne as its Kalutara District Leader. Organisers have been appointed with the advice of Senaratne. Therefore, I decided to quit the UNP and join the SJB.” His departure marked the culmination of a series of frustrations, particularly over the perceived influence of Rajitha Senaratne in party matters.
In reflecting on these events, it is clear that the internal dynamics within the UNP remain complex and fraught with tensions. While some continue to work towards maintaining unity within the party, others feel alienated by the decisions being made and the shifting allegiances. The potential for alliances with the SJB, though delegated to a team for further discussion, hangs in the balance as the UNP navigates these challenges ahead of the provincial elections.
PM Harini backtracks
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has found herself in a difficult position following her apparent backtracking on a statement regarding the attendance of politicians at school functions. Initially, she had instructed the Education Ministry to refrain from inviting politicians to school events, a directive that was officially communicated in a press release on 26 September 2024. However, in a recent parliamentary session, the Prime Minister sought to clarify her stance, claiming that no formal ban had ever been imposed. She asserted that her earlier comments were misinterpreted and that her only intention had been to discourage the use of school events for political purposes.
This shift in position has raised questions, particularly after Opposition MP D.V. Chanaka pointed out the presence of ruling party politicians at school functions, despite the purported ban. The Prime Minister’s assertion that she had never imposed any restrictions contradicts the official statement released by her office months earlier, leading to confusion and criticism from both the media and political opponents.
In her parliamentary response, Prime Minister Amarasuriya denied that any law or rule had been enacted to prevent politicians from attending school events. Instead, she emphasised that the responsibility of all politicians was to refrain from politicising the education system. She described the media reports as “false” and insisted that her intentions had been misunderstood.
The contrast between her public statements and the official records leaves much room for reflection. While the Prime Minister may have been attempting to clarify her position, her reversal has inadvertently sparked concerns about the consistency and transparency of her messaging. In an era where political accountability is under intense scrutiny, such contradictions can easily erode trust, particularly when they involve the education system—a sector where public perception and credibility are paramount.
CBSL Governor
Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), recently underscored the crucial need for a sustainable and cost-effective construction industry in Sri Lanka. In his address at the ‘Construction Expo 2025’ on Friday (14), Dr. Weerasinghe highlighted key challenges and opportunities facing the sector, offering a thoughtful reflection on the current state of the industry and its future trajectory.
His comments emphasised the importance of aligning with global trends in sustainable construction, urging the adoption of cost-effective energy solutions and eco-friendly building practices. “Sustainability in construction is essential, not just for new projects but also for existing buildings,” he said, stressing that the sector’s long-term viability depends on embracing environmentally conscious and economically efficient methods.
While speaking from a broader perspective, not solely in his capacity as CBSL Governor, Dr. Weerasinghe acknowledged the significant challenges the construction sector has faced in recent years. These challenges include the decline in public investments, soaring material costs, and the industry’s heavy reliance on government projects. “The construction sector has been one of the hardest-hit industries due to multiple economic pressures,” he noted, identifying the adverse impact of fiscal constraints, high material prices, and currency depreciation on the sector’s growth.
A key point raised by Dr. Weerasinghe was the issue of outstanding government arrears, which had long-delayed payments to contractors. He reassured the industry that these arrears had now been settled, signalling a positive shift in government fiscal policy. “The outstanding arrears have been settled. There’s no running arrears, and payments for work in progress are now being honoured,” he confirmed.
The Governor also addressed the broader economic environment, which had caused the rise in material costs, primarily due to shortages in foreign exchange, currency depreciation, and high interest rates. While acknowledging these challenges, he expressed optimism, noting that the Government had allocated a substantial Rs 1.3 trillion for public investment in the 2025 Budget, a significant portion of which would support construction. “This is a substantial amount, and it includes resumed projects, particularly those that were suspended during the restructuring process,” he said. However, he also cautioned against over-reliance on government spending, urging the sector to diversify its business model and seek opportunities in private sector projects and exports.
Dr. Weerasinghe raised a critical point regarding the relatively high cost of construction in Sri Lanka, particularly when compared to similar markets in the region. He argued that Sri Lanka’s cost of construction is comparatively high, even when compared to countries with similar economic conditions. This, he suggested, reflects inefficiencies that need to be addressed to ensure the sector’s competitiveness.
Another important issue raised was the shortage of skilled labour. Dr. Weerasinghe highlighted that the construction industry in Sri Lanka relies heavily on low-skilled labour, which is both costly and inefficient. “The number of people working on a construction site in Sri Lanka is relatively high compared to other countries,” he pointed out, adding that more advanced technologies and fewer workers are employed in construction sites elsewhere. He stressed the need for a shift towards using more technology and fewer workers to increase productivity, but also noted that this would require significant investments in labour training and skills enhancement. “This is something I always talk about – there is a need to develop a workforce that is not only more skilled but also capable of operating more advanced technologies,” he said.
Dr. Weerasinghe also touched on the reluctance of younger, educated individuals to enter the construction sector due to the relatively low incomes associated with it. He argued that enhancing the skills of the labour force could help raise wages, thus making the industry more attractive to a broader segment of the population.
Looking ahead, the CBSL Governor stressed the importance of long-term policy reforms to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of Sri Lanka’s construction sector. “A more efficient construction industry benefits everyone—from low-income families building homes to large-scale industrial projects,” he concluded, highlighting the significant potential for the sector to contribute to economic growth if the right steps are taken to address its challenges.
In his speech, Dr. Weerasinghe offered both a candid assessment and a hopeful outlook for the future of Sri Lanka’s construction industry, emphasising the need for collaboration across the private and public sectors, enhanced training for the workforce, and a commitment to sustainability. His reflections, though grounded in the sector’s current challenges, provide a vision for a more resilient and efficient construction industry in Sri Lanka’s future.🔺
Ceylon Today (16-03-2025)
