Batalanda: Why only now and what about the others, asks Mujibur

SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman launched a fierce critique of the political hypocrisy surrounding the Batalanda Commission report during Thursday’s (10) parliamentary session.

Rahuman pointed to the violent actions of the JVP, which had devastating effects on politicians, police officers, and civilians, as detailed in the Commission’s final report.

He said that the violence had disrupted vital services and created a state of lawlessness, severely affecting the public.

The MP accused political opponents of exploiting the Batalanda issue for electoral advantage, noting that for 36 years, no proposals were made to investigate the assassination of JVP leader Rohana Wijeweera.

He criticized the JVP for forming “probationary” governments with Chandrika Kumaratunga and backing Ranil Wickremesinghe in the yahapalana effort, yet failing to address the Batalanda issue during their tenures.

Rahuman also questioned the current attacks on Wickremesinghe, highlighting that many of his critics had previously collaborated with him. He called attention to the JVP’s statements regarding Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s alleged involvement in a Matale mass grave and the distribution of pamphlets on the subject during the 2022 Galle Face protests.

The MP called for accountability, questioning why no proposals were put forward on these issues when the current government came into power. He also criticized the NPP for its leaders, who, despite being involved in suppressions during the 80s and 90s, now sought positions within the government. Rahuman accused them of hypocrisy, warning against dragging the Batalanda issue into the ongoing election.Rahuman said that the historical wrongs committed by JVP political leaders cannot be erased, regardless of attempts to downplay them.