Court says WPA should be allowed to function as an independent body

Supreme Court Judge Shirani Thilakawardene made the observations as a new draft on establishing the WPA was taken for deliberations.

The government in Sri Lanka has proposed to take measures to protect witnesses of human rights abuses that includes establishing a new Authority.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has requested the Supreme Court to rule whether the draft is constitutional.

CoI and IIGEP

Government’s counsel Yasantha Kodagoda told the three-member panel on Friday that the proposed act was drafted after requests by Commission on inquiry (CoI) headed by Retired Judge Nissanaka Udalagama.

	CoI and IIGEP urged Govt. to establish a mechanism to protect witnesses

The CoI that investigates 15 serious human rights violations and the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) have urged the government to take measures to protect witnesses on rights violations.

Mr. Kodagoda added that a special police unit will protect the witnesses and a fund aiming at helping the witnesses who are under threat will also be established.

The Supreme Court said the ruling will be sent to the president and the speaker of the parliament.

The bench comprised of Justices Thilakawardene (chair), Salim Marshook and Andrew Somawawansa.