Attacks on LTTE cadres in East:

Commission sittings from March 28

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry on alleged attacks on LTTE cadres in the East, mainly in the Batticaloa and Ampara district will begin its inquiries on March 28, a press release from the Presidential Secretariat said yesterday.

The inquiries will be held at the Ampara Court Complex from March 28 to April 1 and at the Batticaloa Courts Complex from April 4 to April 8, the press release added.

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on March 3 named two judges to serve on the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on alleged attacks on LTTE cadres in the East.

The Judge of the Vavuniya High Court, J. Visvanathan will chair the Commission and the other member of the Commission is the Judge of the Ampara High Court W.T.P.B. Warawewa.

The Commission will record evidence from civilians, Armed Forces, Police and the LTTE to ascertain the circumstances and the motive leading to the attack on those alleged to be LTTE cadres.

Evidence will be restricted to the circumstances relating to the incidents of killing, causing injury and attempts to kill or injury by use of firearms or explosives mainly in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts of the Eastern Province during the period from February 1 to March 2, 2005.

Those who desire to give evidence or submit written representations should furnish their names, addresses and telephone numbers (if available) to the Secretary to the Commission on or before March 24, 2005.

Correspondence should be addressed to A.R.M. Kaleel, Secretary to the Commission, High Court, Ampara.