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Mahanayake highlights Inquirers' woes

Aranayake special correspondent

The allowance for Inquirers into Sudden Deaths has not been increased since 1995. The travelling allowance to the inquirers fails to cover half of the travelling expenses, said Most Ven. Udugama Buddharakkitha, Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter.

The Mahanayake speaking at special executive meeting of the island's Union of Inquirers into Sudden Deaths said under British administration, the authority for inquiring into sudden deaths was vested on Koralemahaththayas by virtue of their office that commanded public respect and obedience.

"Today, there is a separate cadre designated as, Inquirers into Sudden Deaths carrying on the work stripped of colonial arrogance that the Koralemahaththayas had. In spite of this disadvantage, inquirers into sudden deaths are expected to discharge their duties with integrity, sans fear or favour," the Mahanayake said.

The meeting was held at the audience hall of the Asgiriya Chapter.

The Mahanayake said the inquirers are appointed on the basis of social respect as one criterion, and as such, the public can expect a service free of corruption.

"However the government's failure to validate the inquirers' efforts who devote their time to public service amidst handicaps, is rather deplorable," he said.

The Mahanayake said according to the inquirers' union, politicians have turned lethargic in solving public problems, even after repeated representations are made to them by the people or other institutions.

He said experience is valuable to discharge duties efficiently, hence inquirers into sudden deaths, whose service has been extended to the 75 years, should be further extended by five years.

Chairman of the Union of Inquirers into Sudden Deaths, M.B. Samaratunga said Prof. G.L. Peiris as Minister of Justice gave the option to the inquirers to serve up to 75 years.

But Batty Weerakoon as the Minister of Justice reduced the age limit to 70 years and caused problems in the service, he said.

The following resolutions were adopted at the executive meeting to request for service beyond 75 years, and inquirers into sudden deaths in rural areas to be paid Rs. 2000 per month as an allowance.

The union's executive members participated at a special religious ceremony at the Dalada Maligawa after the conclusion of the meeting.

Joint Secretaries L.A. Rajapaksa and P.A. Meegahamulahena and N.J. Aramawala also spoke.

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