'Human Rights Commission appointments, proof of its independence'

Asoka SENARATNE, Aunradhapura Group Corr

Former Supreme Court Judge and Chairman of the Human Rights Commission Justice Priyantha Perera pointed out that the independence of the Human Rights Commission in Sri Lanka was well evidenced by the manner in which the Chairman and the other members of the commission were appointed by the government.

The chairman also pointed out that when several members in the Geneva Human Rights Headquarters suggested that the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission was not an independent institution he explained to them that although the President of Sri Lanka had appointed the chairman and other members of the commission, he had no powers to remove them following appointment.

He said when this fact was explained to them, they unanimously accepted the fact that the Human Rights Commission in Sri Lanka was an independent institution. Addressing the media at the Anuradhapura Divisional Office of the Human Rights Commission, the Chairman also pointed out that so far there had been no interference from the President or the government in the internal affairs of the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission which, he said, was clear evidence that the commission was functioning as an independent Institution. Chairman Priyantha Perera also said that in case of any institution failing to implement the decision made by the commission prompt action would be taken to bring such employers before the Supreme Court following which tough punishment would be imposed on them.

He added that five retired Judges were to be appointed soon to hear the cases of human rights violation as there were about 800 such complaints against employers.

Chairman Priyantha Perera assured that justice would be done at the maximum level by the commission with the aim of finding solutions to the grievances of those seeking justice.