Tab Article

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography, Memoir, True Crime, Sri Lankan History, Law Enforcement

Book Review:
''Cop in the Crossfire'' is a riveting memoir by Merril Gunaratne, a highly decorated former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police and Director General of Intelligence in Sri Lanka. With a career spanning 35 turbulent years, Gunaratne provides an unfiltered, ground-level view of policing during some of the nation's most critical periods, including the ethnic conflict and counter-terrorism operations. The title aptly reflects his position caught in the crossfire of political pressures, institutional challenges, violent crises, and the relentless demand to uphold the law. More than just a chronicle of events, this book is a deep dive into police culture, the complexities of intelligence work, and the personal cost of leadership in a high-stakes environment. Gunaratne doesn't shy away from discussing necessary reforms, internal conflicts, and the ethical dilemmas faced by officers. Edited and praised by veteran journalist Gaston de Rosayro as a ''groundbreaker'' and ''page-turner,'' this autobiography is essential reading for anyone interested in criminal justice, modern Sri Lankan history, and the untold stories behind the headlines. It's the definitive account of a ''cop's cop'' who operated at the very heart of Sri Lanka's security apparatus.