Presidential commission to probe irregularities of state institutions

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The President appointed a Presidential Commission to investigate into the irregularities said to have taken place in state institutions during the period between the 14th of January 2015 to the 31st of December 2018. Retired Supreme Court Judge Upali Abeyratne was appointed as the Chairperson of the Presidential Commission with effect from yesterday (January 16). Retired High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini Weerawardana, Retired Auditor General PA Premathilake, Retired Ministry Secretary Lalith R de Silva and Retired DIG Vijaya Amarasinghe are the other members of the commission. As per the gazette notification the Commission was appointed to investigate allegations of corruption, fraud, criminal breach of trust, criminal misappropriation of property, cheating, and abuse or misuse of power, authority, state resources or privileges. Further, the Commissioners are empowered to conduct necessary criminal and forensic investigations and inquiries and hold all public and or confidential inquiries. The Gazzete also states that the commission has the power to decide if an investigation or inquiry should be conducted publicly or under the discretion of the Commission. It further states that the objective of the commission is to ensure that the offenders act in accordance with the rules of law and ensure that such cases do not happen again.