Latest book on JVP’s second insurgency to be released today

The second part of the book on the JVP’s second insurgency during the reign of terror (1986-1990) which claimed 60,000 lives will be launched at the Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandiraya, Thunmulla Junction, Colombo 5, today at 3 p.m. 

Written by Senior Journalist Dharman Wickremaratne, this true story is titled ‘Satanin Satana’ (from battle to battle). Comprising 1,024 pages with 75 chapters and 1,347 photographs, it is priced at Rs. 2,500. It can be bought at the reduced price of Rs. 2000 on the day of the launch.

The number of persons who were killed and who had disappeared during this period was 41,813. However, according to reports of human rights organisations, the number is 67,652. Of this, 6,661 were killed by the rebels, and the rest by the security forces and 14 paramilitary groups indirectly linked to them. 

The contents of the book are based on research the author did on the insurgency for a number of years. As a Divaina editorial staffer, he collected rare data and other information hitherto unknown and also noted his own experiences during the insurgency period. These will help the reader to get a clear picture of the period instead of misconceptions and speculations. This is Dharman’s 53rd book. It also includes various related events during the post-insurgency period (1990-1994) following the assassination of JVP Leader Rohana Wijeweera.

Sri Jayawardenapura University Vice Chancellor Professor Sampath Amaratunga will preside at the book launch. Speakers will be Sepal Amarasinghe, Dr. Tudor Weerasinghe, President’s Counsel Wijedasa Rajapaksa, and D. E. W. Gunasekera. Samudra Wettasinghe will conduct the proceedings. The event is open to the public. Further information can be obtained by calling 011 5 234 384.