The Government rejects the statement of the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) concerning its relations with the Government and the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Alleged Serious Violations of Human Rights, said Government Defence Spokesman Minister dr. Keheliya Rambukwella at après briefing today (17) in Colombo.

The IIGEP came to Sri Lanka on the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and it was provided with every necessary facility to conduct its work, the Minister added. The IGEP should submit its report to the President and any communication to the media should be done after submitting its observations to the Commission of Inquiry and obtaining its comments, he added.

The Minister emphasized that the IIGEP has gone beyond its mandate in issuing press communiqués.