In a recent conversation with Aruna, Sudath Chandrasekara, a figure intricately linked behind the scenes of Sri Lanka’s United National Party (UNP) and closely associated with Ranil Wickramasinghe for decades, delved into various facets of his political journey, shedding light on controversial incidents and his role in the political landscape in an interview with Aruna newspaper.
Chandrasekara’s ties with Wickramasinghe trace back to his school days in 1977 when he first encountered Wickramasinghe during their participation in the Biyagama general election. Despite a brief period of departure in 2018 due to unmet promises within the UNP, Chandrasekara’s affiliation with the party persisted, especially during Sajith Premadasa’s presidential campaign in 2019.
One of the pivotal points discussed was Chandrasekara’s connection to the infamous Batalanda, where he served as the commander of Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe’s security. Addressing the controversial narratives, Chandrasekara emphasized that while Wickramasinghe occasionally stayed at a house in the Batalanda housing complex during his visits to the Biyagama constituency, there was no evidence to support the existence of a torture chamber there. He highlighted that a commission established by President Chandrika investigated these allegations, ultimately resulting in acquittals.
However, the conversation took a dramatic turn when allegations of involvement with the underworld surfaced, particularly regarding a claim by former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe in Parliament. Chandrasekara vehemently denied the accusations, citing a lack of evidence in the audio tapes presented to the Criminal Investigation Department. He expressed regret over the situation, denying any involvement in plotting harm against Ranasinghe.
Further clarification arose regarding Chandrasekara’s role in Roshan Ranasinghe’s entry into politics. Contrary to assumptions, Chandrasekara revealed that while Roshan’s father was a dedicated UNP member, Roshan himself initially approached Chandrasekara expressing a desire to enter politics. Chandrasekara emphasized the importance of family consent and recalled how Roshan’s initial attempt at a political career was hindered due to family concerns.
The conversation concluded with an intriguing revelation about Roshan’s destiny in politics revealed by a fortune teller, indicating a parliamentary future, and shedding light on the intricacies behind Roshan’s journey into the political area.
In essence, Sudath Chandrasekara’s dialogue with Aruna provided a multifaceted view of his political associations, addressing controversies, and providing insight into the complexities surrounding Batalanda, dispelling certain claims while leaving others open to interpretation.
