By Binoy Suriyaarachchi-Sunday, 18 Aug 2013The committee appointed by the Sri Lanka Army has decided to obtain statements from the general public in connection with the incident transpired in Weliweriya, during which three people were killed earlier this month.
However, it was reported the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (SLHRC) has intervened and stopped an attempt made by the military to summon people to army camps to record statements in this regard.
Accordingly, the army is now inviting the people to record their statements at the Weliweriya Police Station.
Military Spokesperson, Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya told Ceylon Today the committee will obtain statements only from the people who volunteer to comment on the incident.
Brigadier Wanigasooriya also said a few people, who voluntarily stepped forward, had given their statements in connection with the incident, by approaching the Ganemulla Army Camp.
"Though some groups attempted to vilify our image, the people still have a faith in us," the Brigadier said.
He also said, "We found that it is required to take statements from the general public as well. Accordingly, the committee has instructed the Weliweriya Police to inform us, if there are any people who would like to comment in this regard. If so, the members of the committee will record statements at the police station," he said.
It was reported that a committee appointed by the army has thus far recorded statements from each and every solders, including tip-officers who were deployed in Weliweriya.
Brigadier Wanigasooriya said the statements from the police officers who were present at the protest will be recorded as well and that the investigations by the army would exclusively focus on identifying and observing the activities of the soldiers during the incident.
