International Panel takes up three cases

Top priority to Kadirgamar probe:

Ranil Wijayapala

COLOMBO: As the CID made more arrests of Southern elements with LTTE links the 16 member International Independent Group of Eminent Persons headed by a former Chief Justice of India has decided to probe into three cases on a priority basis.

Government Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the international independent group headed by former Chief Justice of India Justice Baghawathie conducted its first session in Colombo on February 12 and 13.

“They have decided to probe into three cases on a priority basis namely the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, killing of 17 aid workers in Muttur and the killing of Muslims in Pottuvil,” the Minister said.

The probe by the international panel would provide more credibility to the investigations into these incidents.

The Minister said the report compiled by the Australian forensic experts on the killing of 17 aid workers was also out yesterday.

He said President Mahinda Rajapaksa decided to appoint the international independent group as certain countries and INGOs raised doubts about the eight member panel headed by Supreme Court Judge Nissanka Udalagama on the basis that the panel comprised only of locals.