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The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) investigating serious human rights violations has denied reports that its investigations are “influenced” by western powers. Leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF), Wimal Weerawansa, MP, has reportedly urged president to dissolve the CoI as it has obtained funds from foreign donors. Several Sinhala newspapers have also questioned the impartiality of the CoI. CoI chairman, Retired Judge Nissanka Udalagama, categorically denied the accusations. Funds form IIGEP He told BBC Sandeshaya that US, Canada and EU ambassadors in Colombo offered the CoI funds allocated for the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP).
The western governments have allocated funds for two years but the IIGEP left Sri Lanka after one year accusing the government of “lacking commitment” to probe serious rights violations. The CoI was appointed by President Rajapaksa to investigate 15 serious rights violations including the assassinations of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and Joseph Pararajasingham, MP. Killing of 17 aid workers in Muttur and five students in Trincomalee are also among the CoI investigations. Witness protection Justice Udalagama told journalist KS Udayakumar that the IIGEP provided financial assistance to get statements, via video links, from three witnesses who are currently abroad.
Three more witnesses are willing to make statements via video technology, he said, but there was no funds allocated as IIGEP left Sri Lanka. He dismissed reports that CoI probes are “influenced” by western powers as “completely false”. Justice Udalagama added that CoI probes are hampered due to lack of witness protection. The government has drafted a bill to protect the witnesses but it is yet to be ratified due to the prorogation of the parliament by President Rajapaksa. “The biggest impediment for the investigation is to get witnesses due to lack of witness protection,” CoI chairman told BBCSinhala.com. | LOCAL LINKS  'No funds' for independent lawyers 18 May, 2008 | Sandeshaya Authority for witness protection02 May, 2008 | Sandeshaya IIGEP 'sceptical' of Bhagwati letter28 April, 2008 | Sandeshaya IIGEP 'exceeded mandate'22 April, 2008 | Sandeshaya Forces 'surrounded' ACF office07 April, 2008 | Sandeshaya Expert panel leaves Sri Lanka30 March, 2008 | Sandeshaya Proposed committees just ploy - Mano 15 March, 2008 | Sandeshaya Fund cut for rights probe06 February, 2008 | Sandeshaya EXTERNAL LINKS The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The biggest impediment for the investigation is to get witnesses due to lack of witness protection
