-By: Political Editor
(Lanka-e-News -16.Nov.2024, 11.00 pm) The latest release by author Nandana Weeraratne, “The Criminal History of Ranil Wickramasinghe (1977-1997),” is shaking up bookstores and stirring up controversies across Lanka and beyond. Published by Lanka Book in Kingston, London, and printed by Apex Print and Graphic in Nugegoda, this over 200 page exposé takes readers on a whirlwind journey through the gritty underbelly of Sri Lanka’s political and underworld landscapes. With sections spanning explosive tales of prison breaks, notorious bodyguards, and alleged underground alliances, this book reads more like a dramatic thriller than a history text.
Weeraratnee’s work, which can also be inquired about through Samajwadi Poth Piyasa, dives headfirst into what he calls the “Batalanda era” of Sri Lankan history. Page after page, readers are guided through a series of eyebrow-raising chapters:
1. Batalanda on Fire: A fiery chapter indeed, this one opens up on Batalanda—a setting alleged to have hosted torture, secrets, and possibly even more. As the story goes, Batalanda wasn’t just a building complex; it was a boiling cauldron of crime where operatives were reportedly housed and unspeakable activities took place.
2. The Notorious Bodyguard: Enter a larger-than-life figure who, according to Veeraratna, was the personal bodyguard to an SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) but allegedly more dangerous than the average criminal. With brawn, bribes, and more, this character helped navigate Ranil’s alleged escapades through murky waters.
3. Ruler of the Underworld: Veeraratna’s prose here portrays Ranil Wickramasinghe as more than just a political leader. He’s painted as a shadowy figure wielding influence over the Sri Lankan underworld, where politicians and underworld figures allegedly mingled in dimly lit rooms, planning strategies to consolidate power.
4. Pardons and Elephants: Ever seen a criminal pardoned and then celebrated on the back of an elephant? According to Weeraratne, this is exactly what happened when a prisoner was not only pardoned but paraded like a local celebrity.
5. Ranil in Jaffna: A notable chapter capturing an alleged visit to Jaffna, this one reads like a spy novel, with tales of covert meetings, whispers in alleyways, and deals in the dark. The narrative places Ranil at the heart of high-stakes negotiations that,Weeraratne claims, were anything but above board.
6. Attacks on Political Opponents: If you thought political rallies were peaceful gatherings, think again Weeraratne’s book includes claims of attacks on prominent political rallies, notably one led by Vijayaweera in Delgoda. Allegedly, this was no mere protest but a show of muscle by a hidden hand aiming to stifle opposition.
7. Jail, Escape, and More Jail: The tale of Vijaya Kumartunge is one for the ages. From jail time to whisker-close escapes, this chapter alleges he found himself behind bars more than once as he attempted to expose these dealings, only to narrowly escape brushes with a rather grim fate.
8. A Stolen Franchise: The “Copacabana Franchise” scandal leaves readers chuckling and curious. It seems more out of a satire than historical recounting, yet it supposedly involved shady dealings over this mystery franchise—something that Weeraratne claims is part of a far-reaching plot.
9. The Gonawala Mystery: Here, readers are transported to the mythical Gonawala, where oil wells, political summits, and underworld leaders supposedly convened. Allegedly, the most powerful gangsters had a stronghold here, engaging in power plays that make Weeraratne tale both captivating and bizarre.
10. The Batalanda Torture Chambers: One of the most controversial sections, this chapter uncovers alleged torture chambers in Batalanda. The book describes a place where police officers, underworld thugs, and even ministers engaged in clandestine, violent activities. Weeraratne pulls no punches, recounting tales of brutalities that send chills down the spine and casting a shadow over this complex.
The “Refusal to Kill” Episode: Weeraratne introduces the legendary “Commando Boss,” who reputedly balked at an order to “kill innocent people.” The narrative paints him as an unsung hero, a loyal soldier with a conscience—one who said “no” when the stakes were life or death.
The Gonawala Conference: In another plot twist, Weeraratne discusses the “Underworld Leaders Conference” allegedly held in Gonawala . Was it a political summit, or simply a high-stakes poker game? According to the book, Gonawala was the place where deals were made, alliances forged, and fortunes changed hands.
Weeraratne also claims Ranil Wickramasinghe orchestrated covert re-elections and that a “battleground” was strategically created in Mulkirigala, where cunning plots unfurled.
Throughout, the author sprinkles intriguing characters and curious anecdotes—like the CID constable rewarded with a promotion for dubious deeds and a story of family rivalries entwined with national conflicts. The book has left readers debating who can be trusted, as it seems Weeraratne leaves few stones unturned in his quest to depict Wickremesinghe as an enigmatic, powerful figure at the heart of a crime-ridden era.
Not everyone is thrilled with this book. Critics claim Weeraratne is sensationalizing history, creating a hyperbolic portrayal of Ranil Wickramasinghe . However, fans argue that, sensationalism aside, the book sheds light on a dark chapter of Sri Lankan history. The debate continues as the book flies off shelves faster than copies can be printed.
So, is “The Criminal History of Ranil Wickramasinghe ” fact or fiction? You’ll have to decide for yourself. But if you’re a fan of mystery, history, and a heavy dose of political intrigue, this might be your next weekend read.
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by (2024-11-16 17:59:30)
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