A team of lawyers has commenced inquiry into the alleged incidents of abuse at the Avanthi Devi Children’s Home in Anuradhapura on the instructions of the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. President of the Anuradhapura District Bar Association Mahesh Kotuwella as Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Office inspected the Avanthi Devi Children’s Home in Anuradhapura with a group of lawyers last Saturday.
“We arrived at the orphanage on the instructions of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to look into whether the investigations are being carried out properly.
One party claims that these investigations are not being carried out properly. Another party claims that this was deliberately fabricated,” Kotuwella said.
Kotuwella also said incidents like these are unacceptable. “Both the President and the Prime Minister have decided to take strict action against cases like these. We came here to find out if there are any discrepancies regarding this investigation. We had discussions with the police investigation team, respective officers and the victims. Police investigations are being carried out properly. The victims were assured they could give information and they shall be protected.”
“The police will appear in court on behalf of the victims in future court proceedings. The Attorney General will appear on behalf of the victims in the case pending in High Court. If the children need personal legal assistance, a large number of members of the Anuradhapura Bar Association are ready to represent them,” Attorney Mahesh Kotuwella also said.