BASL to represent case
In an important twist to the investigations into the Matale mass grave, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has come forward as a stakeholder in the case.
By Chrishanthi Christopher
2013-06-03 02:
In an important twist to the investigations into the Matale mass grave, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has come forward as a stakeholder in the case.
It is learnt that when the case of the Matale skeletal remains was taken up by Matale Magistrate, Chaturika de Silva, a representative of the BASL, Anura Medegoda, had requested for leave to represent the case.
Commenting on the recent development, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), said the move by the BASL is important as it has no precedent.
Commenting on the recent development, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), said the move by the BASL is important as it has no precedent.
“Nowhere in the history of Sri Lanka has a legal body voluntarily come forward to represent a case, and this is a great victory for us,” former JVP Provincial Councillor, Gamagedera Dissanayake, said.
Also, it is learnt that a further 14 affidavits were submitted to the Court and the Magistrate had announced that a decision on the affidavits would be taken at the next sitting, scheduled for 28 June.
Also, it is learnt that a further 14 affidavits were submitted to the Court and the Magistrate had announced that a decision on the affidavits would be taken at the next sitting, scheduled for 28 June.
Eleven affidavits from families who had lost their members during the period 1988-90, to which it was confirmed the skeletons belong, had been accepted by the Court.In the meantime, Magistrate de Silva has ordered advertisements be published in all three languages, inviting the nearest kith or kin of those who had died during the stated period, to come forward and make their statements to the police.
It is learnt the CID had sought assistance of the Interpol, and is awaiting their report. The Magistrate ordered the DNA testing on the skeletal remains be conducted as soon as the Interpol report is received.
