-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -03.Feb.2025, 11.30 PM) Rumors have surfaced that an arrest warrant has been requested for the former Sri Lankan President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, upon his arrival in London this week. Reports suggest that the warrant is linked to allegations stemming from the Batalanda torture case, a dark chapter in Sri Lanka’s history involving alleged human rights violations during the late 1980s.
Sources indicate that family members of victims connected to the Batalanda torture chamber have submitted legal documents to the judiciary, seeking accountability. The Batalanda case, which dates back to the violent period of Sri Lanka's JVP insurrection (1987-1989), has long been a subject of controversy. While past commissions have investigated the alleged operation of secret detention and torture facilities in Batalanda, no criminal prosecution has been pursued against Wickremesinghe, who was accused of administrative involvement during that period.
If the arrest warrant is issued, Wickremesinghe could be taken into custody under universal jurisdiction laws, which allow certain crimes, such as war crimes or human rights violations, to be prosecuted internationally. The UK has previously arrested or investigated foreign political figures under similar circumstances.
However, legal experts caution that issuing such a warrant against a former head of state would require substantial evidence and cooperation from both Sri Lankan and UK authorities. Given Wickremesinghe's status and international diplomatic connections, it remains uncertain whether the UK judiciary would proceed with an arrest.
If the warrant materializes, it could have significant diplomatic repercussions between Sri Lanka and the UK. Wickremesinghe, who served as Prime Minister multiple times and later as President, has long been a key figure in Sri Lankan politics, often advocating for Western-aligned policies and economic reforms. His arrest would undoubtedly spark political turmoil within Sri Lanka and could further strain international relations.
At present, no official confirmation has been provided by UK authorities regarding the existence of an arrest warrant. As the situation develops, legal and political observers will closely watch for any official statements from Sri Lankan and British officials regarding Wickremesinghe’s status in London.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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by (2025-02-03 18:49:01)
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