Dayasiri says 46 torture chambers operated in 1988-89 period

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dayasiri Jayasekara revealed in parliament on Monday (17) that apart from the infamous ‘Batalanda’, 46 other torture chambers were operational across Sri Lanka during the 1988-89 period.

Noting the importance of not forgetting these dark chapters in the nation’s history, he stressed the need to ensure justice for the victims and urged the government to initiate a thorough investigation into these torture sites and the atrocities committed during that time.

“These torture chambers should not be forgotten. Justice must be served for those who lost their lives at the hands of groups that called themselves ‘patriots’ back then,” he said.

Jayasekara also highlighted that among the victims were professors, artists, Buddhist monks, and politicians, many of whom were tragically murdered during the violent insurgency, underscoring the necessity for Sri Lanka to uncover the full scope of the crimes from this era to ensure the truth is revealed and justice is achieved for the victims and their families.