President Maithripala Sirisena stated that a special committee will be appointed within a month to investigate the alleged war crimes that took place in the Sri Lankan Civil War.

 

Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya in London, Sirisena said that the committee will be given specific instructions and responsibilities on investigating the alleged war crimes.

 

If the committee finds anyone guilty of any crime, they will be brought to justice according to the legal procedure, he added.

 

However, Sirisena rejected the need for an international inquiry, saying that the government has already requested the international community to have confidence in the local mechanism. 'We can always take the views of the UN into consideration and strengthen the local mechanism' Sirisena added.

 

Sirisena also said that he has instructed the National Defence Council to look into the matter of political detainees and report to him on whether they could be released. He added that the released detainees will have the right to live anywhere in the country, like any other citizen.

 

President Sirisena said he was impressed with the British Prime Minister David Cameron's knowledge in Sri Lanka's war, post-war years and the current situation. He added that meeting Cameron was extremely useful.