Vincent Fernando's Mysterious Death & Batalanda

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Batalanda Commission report has brought to light numerous grave crimes that were once buried in the sands of time. 

The discussion on these serious crimes, which occurred between 1988 and 1990, resurfaced following questions posed to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during Al Jazeera's Head to Head program.

This report, allegedly kept in a dark room at the Presidential Office, was recently tabled in Parliament. A debate on the report is now scheduled for April 10.

In recent days, News 1st uncovered several serious incidents revealed by the Batalanda Commission report. The following revelation is yet another grave matter.

Reginald Sylvester Vincent Fernando, also known as Reggie, is a key witness mentioned in the Batalanda Commission report. 

Reggie witnessed many events firsthand at the notorious torture chamber maintained at the Batalanda Housing Complex, which was like a resort for some, and was closely associated with the individuals involved.

He provided a confidential statement to the commission.

Excerpt from the Batalanda Commission Report:

"This witness's testimony appears to impact the ethical rights and political status of the current Opposition Leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe. Certain sensitive details were also included in the statement."

Vincent Fernando, also known as Reggie, mysteriously died a few days before Ranil Wickremesinghe was scheduled to appear before the commission. 

However, limited information from Reggie's confidential statement is included in the commission report.

Who is Vincent Fernando, also known as Reggie?

In 1980, Reggie worked as a sanitary worker and caretaker at the National Youth Services Council's tourist bungalow in Nilaveli, Trincomalee. 

During this period, Ranil Wickremesinghe, then Minister of Youth Affairs and Employment, visited the bungalow several times and spent the night there.

"Ranil Wickremesinghe and Director General Charitha Rathwatte came and prepared food. I helped them, and Ranil Wickremesinghe asked me to get two chili peppers. I washed them and put them on a plate. While eating string hoppers and biryani, Vincent was asked if he wanted to join their circuit. Vincent nodded yes, and after about 15 days, he was asked to come to Batalanda," disclosed H.M. Jayawira, a friend of Vincent Fernando.

"Vincent Fernando was with us during that time. Ranil Wickremesinghe often came to the center, stayed for five or six days, and left. Before he came, the Navy and Army provided security. Ranil Wickremesinghe's private security guards, including Gonawala Sunil, came and stayed here. Vincent Fernando provided all the facilities for them," revealed Jayasiri Manawadu, another friend of Vincent Fernando.

In his confidential statement, Reggie claimed that Ranil Wickremesinghe wanted to eliminate suspects. 

Excerpt from the Batalanda Commission Report:

"Regarding the subversive suspects, Wickremesinghe was heard telling police officers to 'get them out.'"

Reggie stated before the commission that he overheard conversations among police officers at the Batalanda Housing Complex about suspects being killed. 

He mentioned that suspects were detained in houses B8, B4, and B1.

House A2/3 was allocated to Reggie by Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Excerpt from the Batalanda Commission Report:

"Although this witness provided evidence against Wickremesinghe, implicating him in serious crimes, the lawyers representing Ranil Wickremesinghe decided not to cross-examine the witness. The commission was puzzled by this decision. The witness died a few days before Wickremesinghe was issued a summons to testify before the commission. He was 36 years old at the time of his death. The commission did not investigate the circumstances of his death due to lack of authority."

"The investigators of the Batalanda Commission met Vincent Fernando, who narrated the entire story. His testimony was taken by then-Deputy Inspector General of Police Punya de Silva. The confidential statement is with the CID and the complete testimony is with the Batalanda Commission. All the crimes committed here were revealed to the world. The punishment was that three days before Ranil Wickremesinghe was summoned to testify before the Batalanda Commission in October 1997, Vincent Fernando, aged 36, suddenly died," said Nandana Weerarathna, a Journalist.

Will the Batalanda Commission report end with a parliamentary debate? 

Or will the law take action for the grave crimes committed?