Batalanda Report Resurfaces, Sparking Political and Global Turmoil in Sri Lanka

• CNL Reporter
• March 23, 2025
• Weekly Political Review
• Weekly Political review
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Weekly Political Review

Wide Angle focuses on Ruling JVP/NPP Gears Up for Crucial Local Govt Polls

By Rohana Jith

The long-buried Batalanda Commission report has unexpectedly returned to the forefront, shaking the political landscape. What began as a discussion on the Malima government’s maiden budget took a dramatic turn following an Al Jazeera interview with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. His unprepared responses have reignited past controversies, bringing renewed scrutiny to Sri Lanka’s JVP insurrections (1971 & 1987-89) and their violent legacy.

Political Fallout: JVP under Pressure

The JVP-led NPP government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) now faces uncomfortable questions about its past. Accusations of the JVP’s role in political assassinations and violence have resurfaced, with SJB MP Rohini Kaviratne claiming that the party was responsible for 1,100 UNP member killings in the 1980s.

Rather than weakening Ranil, the revival of the Batalanda discussion has exposed the JVP’s past atrocities, creating political turmoil. Meanwhile, a faction led by Kumar Gunaratnam is using the report to pressure the government further.

International Implications: Geneva Awaits

With the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva scheduled to convene in September 2025, Sri Lanka is bracing for renewed scrutiny. Western powers are expected to highlight state terrorism and human rights violations, specifically linking Ranil to past extrajudicial operations. Additionally, the Deshabandu Tennakoon case, involving allegations of an unofficial combat unit, is likely to feature prominently in international discussions.

This will unveil the nature and effect of violence and conflict on the social and personal welfare of a local population using the example of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) insurrections of 1971 and 1967-89 in Sri Lanka. I

The 1987–1989 JVP insurrection, also known as the 1988–1989 revolt or the JVP troubles, was an armed revolt in Sri Lanka, led by the Marxist–Leninist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, against the Government of Sri Lanka.

The insurrection, like the previous one in 1971, was unsuccessful. The main phase of the insurrection was a low-intensity conflict that lasted from April 1987 to December 1989. The insurgents led by the JVP resorted to subversion, assassinations, raids, and attacks on military and civilian targets while the Sri Lankan government reacted through counter-insurgency operations to suppress the revolt.

One has to consider the impact of violence on individuals and communities both directly from traumatic events and indirectly through the social and political consequences of the violence.

Mental health is taken as an indicator of human welfare, and its relationship to the political and economic factors that form the environmental context is examined. The mental welfare of a population following an insurrection is impaired by the effect of individual trauma, the nature of violence experienced and the way that social and economic conditions supporting mental health are undermined.

Easter Sunday Attacks: Church’s Stand

As the sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday attacks approaches, President AKD faces mounting pressure to fulfill his promise to reveal the masterminds.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has issued a stern warning to the government, hinting at nationwide protests if justice is not served. The church’s dissatisfaction poses a significant challenge to the administration.

However the government is preparing to show some results regarding the investigations before the 6th anniversary to be held on April 21. According to informed sources, the present administration is likely reveal the mastermind of the attack or to arrest someone, or whether they are preparing to make some other controversial statement.

However, unofficial sources available currently say that there is a plan on the part of the church to organize a huge march aimed at the 6th anniversary of the Easter attacks. Although such marches have been held before, many believe that this is about to begin in a new way through the cardinal’s serious statement made last week.

Local Elections & the Colombo Mayoral Race

With local government elections set for May 6, 2025, the political stakes are high. The Colombo mayoral race is particularly significant, with the SJB fielding Dr. Ruwaiz Hanifa, grandson of former UNP Minister M.H. Mohamed.

Once dominant in Colombo, the UNP under Ranil’s leadership appears weakened, struggling to find a strong candidate. This election will serve as a crucial indicator of public confidence in the NPP-JVP administration.

Rising Crime & Law Enforcement Challenges

Sri Lanka is witnessing a surge in underworld violence, prompting President AKD to issue stern warnings to the police to take decisive action.

Meanwhile, former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon’s assets are under investigation, yet official records claim he owns nothing—raising serious doubts about corruption and transparency.

AKD’s First Six Months: A Crucial Test

Marking six months in office, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake continues to navigate a volatile political landscape. His landslide victory over Ranil and Sajith Premadasa in September 2024 reshaped Sri Lankan politics, but his government now faces mounting internal and external challenges.

With political tensions rising, international scrutiny intensifying, and local elections approaching, the coming months will be a critical test of the NPP-JVP government’s durability and credibility.