Extrajudicial Killings, Secret Promotions: The Untold Story of Douglas Peiris

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Douglas Peiris, one of the individuals who received housing in the Batalaanda housing complex, has gained significant attention in the Batalanda Commission Report.

Who is Douglas Peiris?

Douglas Peiris joined the police force in 1967 as a probationary police constable and was promoted to sub-inspector in 1971.

He was then promoted to police inspector in 1979, and to chief police inspector in 1985, serving as the officer-in-charge of the Peliyagoda Police Station.

On July 20, 1987, Peiris was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police. At that time, his primary responsibility was to oversee the activities of the Kelaniya Anti-Subversive Operations Unit.

His rapid promotions raised concerns and attracted significant attention from the commission.

Excerpt from the Batalanda Commission Report

"To be confirmed in the position of Assistant Superintendent of Police, one must sit for and pass the prescribed examination within three years. Douglas Peiris sat for the relevant examination. However, he was unable to pass."

End of Excerpt.

Douglas Peiris's promotion to Assistant Superintendent of Police was recommended by Senior Superintendent of Police Nalin Delgoda, in a letter to Deputy Inspector General of Police M.R. Gunaratne.

According to the commission's report, this recommendation was made at the request of Douglas Peiris himself.

Excerpt from the Batalanda Commission Report

"Delgoda did not explain in his letter how such a promotion could be made, despite Peiris not being confirmed in the position of Assistant Superintendent of Police. Delgoda justified his recommendation by providing a list of the work done by Peiris during the subversive rebellion."

End of Excerpt.

The commission paid close attention to the work Peiris had done during that period.

A letter from Senior Superintendent Nalin Delgoda to the commission stated that Peiris had taken necessary actions to prevent the advancement of the subversive movement and eliminate subversive individuals.

The commission sought clarification on the meaning of the word "eliminate" used in the letter.

Excerpt from the Batalanda Commission Report

"Delgoda described the word 'eliminate' as referring to 'justified homicides' committed by Assistant Superintendent Peiris. However, Delgoda failed to explain how committing justified homicides could qualify as a basis for promotion."

End of Excerpt.

This raised concerns regarding Douglas Peiris's continued promotions.

The commission later revealed that "eliminate" referred to extrajudicial killings of subversives. The then Inspector General of Police, Ernest Edward Perera, confirmed this during his testimony before the commission.

According to the report, the main reason for Peiris's promotion was his role in halting the subversive movement's progress through extrajudicial killings.

Excerpt from the Batalanda Commission Report

"Due to the series of promotions received by Douglas Peiris, he suddenly surpassed 130 senior gazetted police officers. No other police officer in history has received such a promotion. It was the longest leap ever made in the police service."

End of Excerpt.

The report further states that Peiris's duties were suspended in 1995 following investigations into serious alleged offenses committed by him.

Why did Douglas Peiris suddenly disappear?

What was his request to the Swiss authorities?

What was in the affidavit submitted by Douglas to the commission?

All will be revealed tomorrow.

The truth can never be suppressed.