The Governments of Sri Lanka and Australia have finalized the Terms of Reference (TOR) in relation to the providing of Australian forensic expertise into the investigations being conducted on the deaths of 17 aid workers belonging to the NGO ‘Action Contre la Faim’ in Muttur.

The Terms of Reference provides the framework for the Australian experts to observe and, at the request of Sri Lanka authorities, to provide technical advice and assistance for the conduct of forensic investigations.

The invitation extended to the Australian experts is in the interest of conducting a transparent and effective investigation. A report will be submitted containing the observations of the experts, upon the completion of investigations.

The Australian forensic experts are expected to visit Sri Lanka during the first week of October 2006.