Sri Lanka’s state minister, and close Rajapaksa ally, Lohan Ratwatte has been gifted another profile as state minister of Warehouse Facilities, Container Yards, Port Supply Facilities and Boats and Shipping Industry Development.
In September 2021 the minister forced Tamil inmates detained in the Anuradhapura prison to kneel down at gunpoint. Ratwatte was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he entered the premises and demanded Tamil prisoners to perform the humiliating act.
Lohan Ratwatte has a history of being accused of mass murder and irresponsible behaviour with firearms. He reportedly led the killing of ten unarmed Muslims during the 2001 general elections for which he was convicted and sentenced by the high court. He was later acquitted on flimsy grounds.
In late December 2020, he terrified hotel guests in Kandy by firing gunshots into the air reportedly due to anger.
His appointment follows repeat concerns over nepotism and corruption. A June 2020 ITJP report detailed how the Rajapaksa clan have control over 145 state institutions, even before forming the President’s controversial task forces.