April 21 2021, Colombo, Sri Lanka: This commentary by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) provides a brief analysis of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on political victimization and the subsequent establishment of the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry (SPCoI).

CPA notes with concern that the concluded proceedings of the CoI and the on-going proceedings of the SPCoI are both politicized and problematic, and may have grave implications on the rights of citizens as well as the independence of the judiciary, rule of law and democracy in Sri Lanka.

The commentary consists of two sections. The first section of the commentary provides an overview of the background and legal framework of the CoI on political victimization, followed by a timeline flagging key dates and developments of its proceedings, and a table listing key recommendations and their implications. The second section of the commentary examines the SPCoI to implement the recommendations of the CoI, with an outline of its legal framework with reference to several past SPCoI initiatives, and the mandate of the on-going SPCoI proceedings.

CPA hopes that the commentary may facilitate critical engagement with the proceedings and outcomes of the CoI and the SPCoI.

Download the full commentary here.

On March 12th, CPA posted Initial Concerns with the Report of the Commission of Inquiry to Investigate Allegations of Political Victimization and Subsequent Action (Click here for more). 

On April 19th, CPA released a Short Note on the Resolution Seeking Parliamentary Approval to Implement the Recommendations of the CoI on Political Victimization (Click here for more).