LEN - www.lankaenews.com | Urgent Call for UN Investigation into President Ranil Wickremesinghe's Alleged Role in Batalanda Torture Chambers

Urgent Call for UN Investigation into President Ranil Wickremesinghe's Alleged Role in Batalanda Torture Chambers

-By A Special Correspondent

(Lanka-e-News -29.Dec.2023, 10.55PM) The dark shadows of Sri Lanka's past have long haunted the memories of those who lived through the tumultuous period of the JVP (Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna) uprising from 1987 to 1990. Among the disturbing allegations emerging from this time is the existence of torture chambers, with strong claims pointing towards the involvement of Sri Lanka's current leader, President Ranil Wickremesinghe. This article delves into the allegations surrounding President Ranil's role in the Batalanda torture chambers and the compelling reasons why UN agencies must initiate a thorough investigation.

The JVP Uprising and Batalanda Torture Chambers:

During the JVP insurgency, Sri Lanka witnessed a wave of political violence, with the government responding with brutal force. Among the various detention centers that became synonymous with human rights abuses, Batalanda stands out for its association with egregious acts of torture and extrajudicial killings.

Divimakuluwa, a group allegedly operating under President Ranil Wickremesinghe's political authority, is said to have played a significant role in the administration of torture at Batalanda. Reports indicate that thousands of JVP activists, numbering between 5,000 to 10,000, faced brutal torture and were killed in the Batalanda camp alone.

Accusations Against President Ranil Wickremesinghe:

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the incumbent leader of the UNP (United National Party), has faced persistent accusations of being the political authority behind the Batalanda torture chambers. It is alleged that he not only condoned but actively authorized the operations of death squads targeting JVP members and opposition figures during his tenure.

The Need for a UN Investigation:

Given the severity of the allegations and the potential violation of international human rights standards, there is an urgent need for a thorough and impartial investigation. The United Nations, as a global advocate for human rights, must appoint a qualified investigator to examine President Ranil Wickremesinghe's alleged role in the Batalanda torture chambers.

Several factors make this investigation imperative:

Serious Human Rights Violations:

The reported acts of torture and extrajudicial killings at Batalanda constitute grave violations of human rights. The UN has a responsibility to ensure accountability for such actions and to bring justice to the victims and their families.

Credible Witnesses and Evidence:

Numerous witnesses and survivors have come forward with accounts of the atrocities committed at Batalanda. Additionally, there is documented evidence linking President Ranil Wickremesinghe to the alleged torture chambers. This lends credibility to the claims and warrants a comprehensive investigation.

International Collaboration:

The international community, including the USA State Department, should collaborate with the UN in this investigation. Given the gravity of the allegations, it is crucial to ensure that the inquiry is thorough, transparent, and free from any political influence.

The allegations surrounding President Ranil Wickremesinghe's role in the Batalanda torture chambers during the JVP uprising are deeply troubling. The UN, with its commitment to upholding human rights globally, must act swiftly and decisively to appoint an investigator to examine these claims thoroughly. By doing so, the UN can contribute to the pursuit of justice and accountability, sending a strong message that impunity for human rights abuses will not be tolerated on the world stage.