No Foreign Judges To Decide On Matters Of Accountability: Ajith P. Perera

September 30, 2015

Deputy Minister Ajith P. Perera stated that no foreign judges will taking decisions on cases related to accountability under the mechanism to investigate alleged war crimes, proposed by the US-backed resolution tabled at the UNHRC.

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Taking part in the political talk show 'Rathu Ira' on Swarnavahini last night, Perera said that foreign experts will support the mechanism but will not hear the cases.

Perera argued that Sri Lanka will set up a Truth Commission different from the Commission is South Africa. Certain serious matters will not be heard in the Truth Commission, he pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Parliament is still to pass key legislation on hearing such accountability matters, Perera said.

Meanwhile, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila argued that foreign judges could be appointed to the Tribunals as there was no constitutional provision against it. Sri Lankans have also served in the judiciaries of foreign countries, he pointed out.