‘Comrade Lionel’ to be launched on 5 Nov.

Senior Journalist Dharman Wickramaratne’s latest book, ‘Comrade Lionel’, based on the JVP’s second insurgency (1986-1990) that caused 60,000 deaths will be launched at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Auditorium, Thummulla Junction, Colombo-5 on 5 November 5 at 3 p.m. 

This is the true story of Lionel Ranasinghe who during the insurgency assassinated 41 persons including Vijaya Kumaratunga, Colombo University Vice Chancellor Prof. Stanley Wijesundara, UNP General Secretary Nandalal Fernando and CID Director Terrence Perera executing the JVP’s strategy to establish socialism through a ‘national liberation struggle’. The 432-page book includes 86 photos.

Lionel Ranasinghe, born in Kuruwita, was a peanut trader who later became a full-time political activist. Before writing the book the author not only visited houses where Lionel was born and lived and those of his friends but also met the Police officers who arrested him and the families of most of his 41 victims. This is Dharman Wickramaratne’s 54th book.   

Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera will preside at the book launching ceremony where Ajith Galapaththi, Dr. Charitha Herath, Dr. Wasantha Bandara and D.E.W. Gunasekera will give talks on youth activities in 1971, 1989, agreements with foreign governments and conspiracies, political assassinations and the politics of assassination. Sepala Amarasinghe will be the convenor. The book launch will be open to the public. 

For further information, 

Contact – 11 5234 384

Dharman Wickremaratne – +94 71 2733 986.