The term of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to probe corruption in State institutions from 2015 to 2018 has been extended till 31 October.

The Commission’s term was to expire yesterday (30), however, President Maithripala Sirisena had issued an extraordinary gazette notification extending its term of office.

The President appointed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate into allegations of corruption and malpractices that had taken place in state institutions from 15th January 2015 to 31st December 2018.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Upali Abeyratne was appointed the chairman and former High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena, former Auditor General Pasdunkorale Arachchige Premathilake, Former Ministry Secretary Lalith R. de Silva, former Deputy Inspector General of Police M.K.D. Vijaya Amarasinghe were appointed as the members of the commission.

The Commission was tasked with examining complaints and allegations  made against persons who had held or continue to hold political office and those who have been or continue to be public servants and officers of statutory bodies, regarding acts of corruption, fraud, criminal breach of trust, criminal misappropriation of property, cheating and abuse or misuse of power or authority, State resources and privileges, which offences and acts of wrongdoing had occurred from 2015 to 2017 and resulted in serious loss or damage to State assets and revenue.

The interim report of the commission was handed over to the President on June 06 while its final report was handed over on the 27th of September.