Missing Persons Commission begins public sittings in Batticaloa
Saturday, 7 June 2014 00:00
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The presidential commission to investigate into complaints regarding missing persons commenced its fourth round of public sittings in Batticaloa yesterday.
Sittings were held at the Kattankudy Divisional Secretariat and will continue today as well and at Manmunaipattu Divisional Secretariat on 8 June.
“The Commission during their visit will record evidences in relation to the Kurukkalmadam massacre”, Secretary to the Commission H.W. Gunadasa said.
The LTTE killed 163 Muslims in 1990s in Kurukkalmadam, in Batticaloa.
The Commission had previously conducted public sittings in January, February and March this year in Killinochchi, Jaffna and Batticaloa respectively. To date, 18,590 complaints have been received, inclusive of approximately 5,000 from relatives of missing security forces personnel. The Commission had thus far inquired into 462 complaints, which are being analysed for further investigations through an independent Investigation team.
The Commission appointed by the President on 14 August 2013, is mandated to inquire into and report on alleged abductions or disappearances during the period of 1983 to 19 May 2009.
The work of the Missing Persons Commission addresses recommendation 9.51 of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).
Recommendation 9.51 states, “Appoint a Special Commissioner of Investigation to investigate alleged disappearances and provide material to the Attorney General to initiate criminal proceedings as appropriate. Provide the Office of the Commissioner with experienced investigators to collect and process information.”
