President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed a one-man Commission of Inquiry to look into matters related to the death of Ruhunu University student, Susantha Anura Bandara. Retired Supreme Court Judge D J de S Balapatabendi has been appointed as the Commissioner of Inquiry.

Susantha Anura Bandara died in the Badulla Hospital on July 22 and numerous allegations have been made that the investigations into the death was not conducted in a proper and impartial manner.

Hence, President Rajapaksa has decided to appoint a Commission of Inquiry in the public interest under the provision of Section 2 of the Commission of Inquiry Act (Chapter 393). The Commission will 'inquire into and obtain information in respect of the circumstances relating to the death of Mr Susantha Anura Bandara and the person or persons directly or indirectly responsible for the death'.

Furthermore the Commission will also inquire into 'whether the manner in which the investigations were carried out by the police and other personnel assisting were adequate and impartial having due regard to the proceedings established by law. The Commission is expected to submit its report to the President within a period of three months. Mr Edmond Jayasuriya will function as the Secretary to the Commission of Inquiry.