President Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided to invite an international group of eminent persons to act as observers of investigations into alleged abductions, disappearances and extra judicial killings. This independent group will comprise persons of eminence and repute in their respective fields, to ensure transparency and impartiality.

The decision by President Rajapaksa to appoint this group of observers is reflective of the Government's commitment to fully investigate such allegations and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is also a response to attempts at discrediting the Government of Sri Lanka, the Security Forces and the Police with regard to alleged human rights violations, and allegations of lack of adequate investigation into such violations.

The most recent of such allegations, was made by the departing head of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission. concerning the killing of 17 local employees of French non government organization, ACF, at Muttur, while an investigation is ongoing. The Government has totally rejected these allegations and is awaiting the outcome of a judicial investigation with the assistance of foreign experts.

The proposed group, whose Terms of Reference are being formulated in consultation with international human rights organizations, will make their observations on the investigations into alleged extra judicial killings, abductions and disappearances. The President's Office will initiate consultations in this regard. The Armed Services, Police and all other Government agencies will be instructed to extend their fullest cooperation to the group to carry its mandate.

Source: http://news.lk/index.php