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CID records statements of probable next-of-kin of Matale mass grave victims
View(s):6 weeks post discovery Govt. yet to appoint Commission which BASL scorns as eyewash
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) started recording statements from next-of-kin who believe that their family member was killed and buried in the mass grave in Matale. The CID has so far recorded the statements of 13 such persons who claimed that their next-of-kin was among those killed and buried there.
Meanwhile, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has also expressed its concern on the appointment of a commission to probe into the grave. “What is necessary is to proceed under the normal Law of the country, while commissions of inquiry have, throughout our history, been a modus operandi to sweep an issue under the carpet,” it stated.
They also pointed out that the police have failed to record statements from people who were in charge of security during the relevant period. The Commission is to look into reports and also consider other evidence regarding the mass grave. It is believed that the grave contains remains of those who died during the 1989-1990 insurrection.
The mass grave was discovered at a building site near a hospital on November 2012, by workers excavating for a building facility.
Meanwhile, one-and-a-half months after promising to appoint a Commission of Inquiry to probe the Matale mass graves, where over 150 skeletal remains were recovered, the Government has yet to appoint the Commission.
Presidential Media Spokesman Mohan Samaranayake told the Sunday Times that, the delay was due to the President’s tight schedule and his visit to Uganda. “He returned on Friday (17) morning, and we will commence work within this week,” Mr. Samaranayake said.
He said that several names of people of different areas such as academics, media personnel and judiciary have been identified, but the Commission members are yet to be selected.
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