The move, a prelude to a possible UN investigation into alleged war crimes, both by troops and Tiger guerrillas, is to be announced in New York in the coming week. This is after Lyn Pascoe, UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs, who was on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, briefs the UN Secretary General tomorrow.

The Government will give its response after an official statement is made on the UN Secretary General’s appointment of an experts panel to advise him on alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka, the External Affairs Ministry said yesterday – but a senior minister described the move as a plot with a hidden hand behind it.