A Child Soldier Turned Double Agent
In Spy Tiger: The 05 File, Kagusthan shares his perspective as a former child soldier and a double agent. With raw honesty and detail, he captures the complexities of the Sri Lankan Civil War and provides a rare glimpse into the dynamics that drove the conflict. Want to learn more?
The Life of Kagusthan Ariaratnam
Born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Kagusthan Ariaratnam’s life has been shaped by extraordinary challenges. Abducted by the Tamil Tigers at 17, he was thrust into the brutal world of child soldiers, rising to become an intelligence operative before turning double agent. His unique experiences on both sides of the Sri Lankan Civil War provide unique insights into terrorism, resilience, and reconciliation.
In his debut book, The 05 File, Kagusthan shares a gripping account of his time with the Tamil Tigers, exposing covert operations that shaped global terrorism tactics. Through his writing, he advocates for understanding and peace, seeking to bridge divides between the Tamil and Sinhalese communities.
Beyond Writing
Kagusthan enjoys chess and cricket, hobbies that mirror the strategic mindset that has shaped his journey. Inspired by James bond comics translated in Tamil, as a child, he unknowingly set the stage for his future in intelligence and counter terrorism.
He is pursuing a degree in digital journalism at the University of Ottawa and sharing his insights through his blog, Project O Five, where he advocates for global peace and understanding.
A Look Inside Spy Tiger: The 05 File
Spy Tiger: The 05 File is a memoir by Kagusthan Ariaratnam with Michael Bramadat-Willcock; an award-winning journalist, editor, and
researcher. Kagusthan is a man whose life story is as gripping as any espionage thriller. At just 17 years old, Kagusthan was kidnapped from his high school and thrust into the ranks of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the militant organization infamous for its brutal tactics in the Sri Lankan Civil War.
As a child soldier, Kagusthan quickly rose to become an intelligence officer, working alongside the Tiger leadership. However, a twist of fate led him to break the organization’s code of conduct, forcing him to become a double agent for India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). His betrayal did not go unnoticed, and the Tigers sentenced him to infiltrate the Sri Lankan armed forces.