Sri Lankan President appoints Commission of Inquiry to probe corruption

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed a Presidential Commission of Inquiry on Thursday to investigate into allegations of corruption and malpractices that had taken place from 15th January 2015 to 31st December 2018.

The commission will look into public complaints, information and conduct prompt, impartial, comprehensive investigations against persons who had held or continue to hold political office and those who have been or continue to serve as public servants and officers of statutory bodies.

President Sirisena had announced to appoint the commission at the height of political crisis last year during which he had removed Ranil Wickremsinghe as the prime minister.

Sirisena had said that he will appoint the commission to probe wrongdoings against Wickremsinghe government.

Accordingly, a retired Supreme Court Justice Upali Abeyratne has been appointed the chairman of this commission of inquiry.

The commission has been instructed to submit an interim report within a three-month period and the final report, containing the conclusions and recommendations, within six months.

Relations between the President and Prime minister have been far from cordial with differences emerging on several aspects of governance.