By Aritra Banerjee
Kagusthan Ariaratnam’s memoir, Spy Tiger: The 05 File, co-written with Michael Bramadat-Willcock, is a profound and deeply compelling narrative that illuminates the human cost of war, the moral ambiguities of espionage, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through his extraordinary journey, Ariaratnam invites readers into the heart of the Sri Lankan civil war, offering a personal perspective on one of South Asia’s most devastating conflicts.
The memoir begins with Ariaratnam’s harrowing experience of forced conscription as a child soldier for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). His vivid recounting of life under the LTTE—a regime that demanded the eldest child from Tamil families—exposes the brutalities of conscription and the psychological scars inflicted on young recruits. Ariaratnam’s descriptions of beatings, deprivation, and manipulation are unflinchingly honest, offering readers an intimate understanding of the trauma endured by thousands of Tamil youths.
From these dark beginnings, the narrative evolves into a complex tale of survival. Ariaratnam’s coerced collaboration with intelligence agencies—including India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), and the Sri Lankan military—forms the memoir’s emotional and ethical core. His role as an informant reveals the tangled web of loyalty, survival, and identity that defined his life. The book delves into the psychological toll of espionage, portraying the high-stakes world of intelligence not as a game of heroes and villains but as a murky moral battleground.
Ariaratnam also contextualises his story within broader humanitarian crises, such as the plight of Tamil refugees aboard the MV Ocean Lady and MV Sun Sea. His work to counter the testimony of controversial anti-terrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna adds a layer of activism to the memoir, highlighting his dedication to justice and the Tamil community’s rights. These narratives intertwine with global counterterrorism policies, emphasising the far-reaching implications of individual struggles during conflict.
One of the book’s most poignant themes is Ariaratnam’s confrontation with post-war trauma. His reflections on healing, drawn from personal experiences of PTSD and solace in creative outlets like music and writing, are profoundly moving. The memoir also critiques the international community’s failure to address the reintegration needs of former child soldiers, advocating for comprehensive support systems that prioritise education and psychological care.
The narrative provides a rare, balanced perspective on the LTTE’s operations and atrocities, India’s geopolitical role in the conflict, and the devastating tactics employed by all parties. Ariaratnam neither glorifies nor vilifies, offering an objective truth that seeks to educate rather than judge.
From a child soldier to an intelligence operative and now an author, Kagusthan Ariaratnam’s life is a testament to survival and transformation. Writing Spy Tiger was an act of storytelling and a means of therapy, allowing him to process his past while giving a voice to those who suffered in silence. His collaboration with Michael Bramadat-Willcock enriches the memoir, blending personal anecdotes with historical and political context.
Ariaratnam’s evolution from war survivor to defence analyst and advocate for justice reflects his enduring commitment to truth. His work challenges the Tamil diaspora to reconcile with its history while pushing for reconciliation and accountability. His courage in facing the past shines through on every page of this memoir.
Spy Tiger stands out for its honesty and depth in a world of polarised narratives. It humanizes the LTTE, scrutinises intelligence agencies, and critiques systemic failures that perpetuate cycles of violence and trauma. For Indian audiences, the memoir offers vital insights into Sri Lanka’s civil war and India’s involvement, making it an essential read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in South Asia’s geopolitics.
Ultimately, Spy Tiger is not just a book but a powerful testament to survival, justice, and the enduring quest for peace. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of war and the resilience of those who endure it.
The reviewer is an independent Defence, Foreign Affairs & Aerospace Journalist, Co-Author of the book ‘The Indian Navy @75: Reminiscing the Voyage’ and was the Co-Founder of Mission Victory India (MVI), a new-age military reforms think-tank. His reporting career has seen him covering major Security and Aviation events in Europe and travelling across Kashmir conflict zones. Twitter: @Aritrabanned_
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