Civil war crimes to be investigated

Sri Lanka's government said yesterday it would investigate alleged human rights abuses during the 25-year civil war, and the general who led the army at the war's end pledged to co-operate fully.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will appoint a commission of seven members – Sri Lankans and foreigners – who will also recommend compensation for victims of the conflict that claimed an estimated 80,000-100,000 lives.

The probe will "search for any violations of internationally accepted norms of conduct in such conflict situations", a statement from the President's office said.