18 June 2010 06:25 am
The Commission of Inquiry on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation appointed by President Mahinda Rajapakse has sought written representations from the public or individual organizations as the eight member panel prepares to commence sittings.
A public notice by the Commission said that individuals or organizations can submit in the first instance, written representations to the Commission and the Commission after examining the written representations received may invite any person or organization to give oral evidence.
The notice further said that arrangements could be made for any person or organization to give evidence in camera and every person who gives evidence before the Commission shall be entitled to the privileges for witnesses as provided for in the Commissions of Inquiry Act.
According to the notice, the Commission will inquire and report into events which took place between February 21, 2002 and May 19, 2009 namely the facts and circumstances which led to the failure of the ceasefire agreement and the sequence and events which followed thereafter up to the end of the war.
The notice further says the Commission will also inquire whether any person, group or institution directly or indirectly bear responsibility in this regard.
The Commission will also inquire into the institutional, administrative and legislative measures which need to be taken in order to prevent any recurrence of such concerns in the future. (Daily Mirror online)