Ministerial Committee Studying Commission Report On Easter Attacks To Meet Today Amidst Questions Over Its Role And Legality

February 22, 2021

The five-member ministerial committee appointed to study the recommendations of the PCOI report on Easter Sunday attacks will meet for the first time today amidst growing questions over its role and legality.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 3 PM today at the Presidential Secretariat, Committee Secretary Hariguptha Rohanadheera told the media.

Ministers Chamal Rajapaksa, Johnston Fernando, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Ramesh Pathirana and Udaya Gammanpila serve as members of the committee. Rohanadheera said the Sinhala translation of the PCOI report was expected before the first meeting of the committee.

"According to our Constitution, we must consider the Sinhala version of the PCOI report as the primary document. If there is a discrepancy between different versions of the report, the Sinhala translation will prevail over other documents. Therefore, we cannot begin the proceedings without the Sinhala translation," he explained.

However, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya has already questioned the legality of the committee saying it was a blatant attempt to meddle with the recommendations of the PCOI report. MP Lakshman Kiriella said the PCOI report should have been sent to the Attorney General's Department to initiate further action.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has slammed the appointment of the ministerial committee saying a bunch of "O/Level failed" politicians should not be allowed to make decisions on the PCOI report on Easter Sunday attacks.