PCoI cannot investigate Attorney General or his officers : AG's Department

The AG raised his objections in terms of Section 16 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act and in relation to the Avant-Garde High Seas Arms Trafficking Case.

Attorney General Dappula De Livera in a letter to the COI said the mandate granted to the commission does not extend the scope of the inquiry of the PCoI to involve the Attorney General or his officers.

De Livera said the Commission of Inquiry was appointed to look into alleged political victimization of public officers, employees of state corporations, members of armed forces and the police.

He adds, therefore Nissanka Senadhipathi, the Chairman of Avant-Garde, who is a complainant has no legal standing in the light of the above.

According to State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne, the Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General, the Commission of Inquiry is not empowered to review any decision of the Attorney General and it could be exercised only by a court of law.

Attorney General Dappula De Livera reiterated, summons and notice served on Senior State Counsel Janaka Bandara to appear at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry is contrary to law and is invalid.