I am here solely on the instructions of IPU -Trowell

Sarath MALALASEKERA

Queen's Counsel Mark Trowell, who is currently following the proceedings concerning former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka said that his mission is not being made at the request of any political party or individual in Sri Lanka.

He said the Geneva-based Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) has appointed him to attend as an observer, the current legal proceedings concerning Sarath Fonseka.

The IPU is the world organization of national parliaments presently consisting of 140 nation members.

Trowell said that it had not been his intention to make any public statements about the proceedings, but that there had been some press reports suggesting that he is here at the invitation of others.

"I am here solely at the instructions of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which is an independent and impartial observer of these proceedings," Trowell said.

"I want to make it perfectly clear that my mission is not being made at the request of any party or individual in Sri Lanka. I am here solely on the instructions of the IPU. Trowell said he was grateful for the assistance provided by Attorney General, President's Counsel Mohan Pieris. He has been extremely helpful in facilitating this mission.

He has also made his senior prosecutors available to discuss various aspects of the proceedings and they have provided relevant material to assist him in his task.