Exclusive: Witness Details Horrific Torture in Batalanda

COLOMBO (News 1st); Earl Sugi Perera, a key witness who testified before the Batalanda Commission, spoke to Newsfirst this morning. 

Previously, we reported on his abduction and torture for extortion, but he insisted on recounting the crimes in his own voice.

Earl Sugi Perera, also known as Sydney, was abducted on March 23, 1990. 

He was taken to a house in the Batalanda housing complex, where he endured various forms of torture. 

On some days, he was forced to wear women's clothing and wigs.

In his own words, Perera described the ordeal: "They beat me, they beat me. Douglas Peiris and his sons would come during the day, claiming to learn karate from us while beating us. We were given one meal a day and told to eat it or face more beatings. Douglas Peiris would say Ranil is coming, the boss is coming, and those in his escort group would kick us."

Perera was held for nearly a month before being released after a ransom was demanded. 

He recounted, "On the 13th, a Friday in 1990, they brought me to the seventh post and asked my father to fulfill a duty. They handed me a piece of paper and I contacted Lakshman Ranasinghe. On April 14, 1990, I went to his house early in the morning, begging for forgiveness and offering money. I was eventually released after paying 50,000 rupees, which is worth millions today. I became ill from the ordeal. I can identify everyone from Ranil's escort unit and Douglas Peiris' team. If justice is served, I will show them all."

The house where Perera was held was later identified before the Commission.

It was house B8 in the Batalanda housing complex, adjacent to the residence of Ranil Wickremesinghe's personal security officer, Sudath Chandrasekara. 

House B8 was allocated for Douglas Peiris' security personnel.

Further testimonies may still be called if necessary. Should the justice sought by the victims continue to be delayed?