High-Ranking Officials’ Names to Be Revealed: Somaratne Rajapaksa

26-Aug-2025

.

“I am aware that all persons who disappeared in the Ariyalai area in 1996, known to the local people by the name ‘Sampath,’ were detained by the senior officers of the 7th Army Battalion Headquarters. I will also disclose who those officers were and all the crimes that took place in Jaffna in 1996,” announced Lance Corporal Somaratne Rajapaksa, sentenced to death and named by the court as the main accused in the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy murder case.

He further stated that he is prepared to give a sworn affidavit regarding these matters and has requested Tamil Members of Parliament and legal representatives to present these facts at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Assembly in September.

“I, Somaratne Rajapaksa, who served in Ariyalai and was known locally as ‘Sampath,’ acknowledge that all persons who disappeared in the Ariyalai area in 1996 were detained by senior officers of the 7th Army Battalion Headquarters. I am ready to disclose who these officers were and all the crimes committed in Jaffna in 1996 and to provide full cooperation in this regard.
I also request all Tamil Members of Parliament and legal representatives to assist in revealing these matters and to present them at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Assembly in September. Furthermore, I am prepared to provide a sworn affidavit concerning all these matters.
In 1996, two women from the Kaithadi area of Jaffna (names withheld for their safety) were detained in Semmani and brought to the 7th Army Battalion Headquarters that same evening. However, I helped them avoid being killed by escorting them to the Semmani interrogation center and ensuring their release.
Similarly, I personally ensured the release of another woman detained in the Ariyalai area (name withheld for safety). I urge anyone who was rescued by me to come forward and reveal these truths.
Additionally, a man from Ariyalai (name withheld for safety) was detained at the Sundy camp. I personally intervened to secure his release.
I, Somaratne Rajapaksa, known locally as ‘Sampath,’ served in Ariyalai and am fully aware that all persons who disappeared in the Ariyalai area in 1996 were detained by senior officers of the 7th Army Battalion Headquarters. I am prepared to disclose the identities of those officers and all the crimes that occurred in Jaffna in 1996 and provide complete cooperation.
I request all Tamil Members of Parliament and legal representatives to assist in revealing these matters and present them at the upcoming 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Assembly in September. I am also ready to provide a sworn affidavit concerning all these matters.”