Bandara’s death:

Presidential Commission to commence on Sept 30

Sandasen Marasinghe

The Presidential Commission hearing regarding the death of Susantha Anura Bandara, a student of Ruhunu University will commence on September 30.

The Commission will be presided over by retired Supreme Court Justice D J de S Balapatabendi. The hearing will be held at the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS), Colombo.

Justice Balapatabendi at the inaugural session of the Commission held at the BCIS yesterday said President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed them to submit the report within three months after commencement of hearing or an interim report be submitted if its hearing extends more than three months.

He added that the students and others who wish to give evidence will be summoned to testify at the Commission. Medical evidence, witnesses from Police and other authorities will also be called. The Commission has received more than 55 letters in connection with Bandara’s death mostly from university students. “Not all those who sent letters will be summoned before the Commission,” Justice Balapatabendi said. “After studying the letters, the relevant persons will only be summoned to appear before the Commission,” he said.

The Commission is empowered to inquire and obtain information on the death of Bandara and persons directly or indirectly responsible. The Commission is also empowered to make recommendations as to whether the investigations into the death have been carried out by the Police and other authorities properly and impartially.

Justice Balapatabendi said after the report is submitted to the President, he could take steps through the Attorney General.

Susantha Anura Bandara was a third year student of the Ruhunu University and died at the Badulla Hospital on July 22.