Violence during 2005 Presidential elections: Probe begins

COLOMBO: The Presidential Commission appointed to probe incidents of violence during the 2005 Presidential election period and recommend a compassionate compensation payment to the victims has now commenced its investigations.

The Commission chaired by former Sabaragamuwa Governor Saliya Mathew is at room No. 2/105, BMICH, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, said the Presidential Media Unit in a press release issued yesterday.

The Commission will investigate complaints regarding incidents of violence during the 2005 Presidential election period between September 19, 2005 and December 31, 2005.

The Commission has also received complaints regarding incidents which occurred outside that period as well but the commission had informed such complainants about its inability to probe them.

The release said the commission had also done justice to complaints received after the closing date by accepting them. If anyone had failed to submit complaint so far they could do so by stating reasons for the delay and the commission would accept them as late arrivals provided they conform to the stipulated investigating time limit and the commission is satisfied with the reasons adduced for the delay in submitting them.

Any information in this regard could be obtained on 2696364 and 2691131 Extension 177 or from the Commission Secretary at Room No. 2-105, BMICH, Colombo 7.