Committee begins Kanchirankuda probe

[TamilNet, Monday, 21 October 2002, 20:15 GMT]
The three-member committee of inquiry into the killings of eight Tamil civilians at Kanchirankuda began its sittings at Thirukovil divisional secretariat auditorium in southeast Ampara district Monday morning. Eight civilians were killed and at least 20 others were wounded when the Special Task Force (STF) opened fire on protestors.

The committee comprises Air Force Commodore (retd) Harry Gunatilake (Chairman), Mr. Oliver Weerasena, retired judge and Mr. Samithamby Vivekanandan. The senior Superintendent of Police Mr.M.J.Savanagan functions as its secretary.

Evidence of Senior Superintendent of Police of Kanchirankuda Mr.K.M.L.Sarathchandra, Inspector Eric Perera of STF and Akkaraipattu District Medical Officer Dr. I.L.Siddeque and two others were recorded on the first day.

The sittings of the committee will continue in Thirukovil till October 24. Thereafter the committee will hold its sittings at the Bandaranaike International Memorial Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo on October 25 and 26.

The committee has been asked to submit its report on or before October 31 to the Interior Minister.

Meanwhile, the magisterial inquest into the deaths of eight persons killed at Kanchirankuda resumed Monday at the Akkaraipattu courts. Kanchirankudah STF Chief Inspector Chandrasiri and Thandiyady STF Inspector Gunawardene gave evidence at the inquest. The Magistrate Mr.M.I.Irshadeen put off for October 28. Attorney-at-Law Mr.K.S.Ratnavelu watched the interests of the victims.