Appoint independent commission to probe April 21: MR tells President

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Opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday requested President Maithripala Sirisena to appoint an independent commission to investigate the dastardly Easter Sunday bombings and take action against those responsible for the heinous act.

He expressed these sentiments to the media following a recent meeting with a group of Catholic MPs in the opposition and members of the local government and provincial councils.

“These representatives requested that an independent commission be appointed to take legal action against those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks. There was an incident even on Tuesday. We request the President and the Prime Minister to appoint an independent commission to probe all these incidents,” he said.

He said the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday attacks was not independent.

“We know how PSC proceedings take place. Its objective is to boost the image of certain individuals. The President and the Premier should discuss with us and appoint an independent commission represented by members we all approve,” he said.

On a different note, he said incidents of religious leaders being intimidated should not be tolerated whatsoever. “Those who intimidate the clergy should not be allowed to engage in politics,” he said.