Mar 31, Colombo: The International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) that was appointed to oversee the inquiries into 16 cases of serious rights violations, including the August 2006 massacre of 17 local employees of the French charity, Action Against Hunger, halted their operations today.

In a statement the panel said they were halting their operation to determine whether the inquiries were being conducted in accordance with internationally accepted norms and standards.

The IIGEP's final report is expected to be presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa next month and the panel’s office will formally close on April 30, the group said.

Earlier this month IIGEP said that they no longer see how they can contribute further to the protection and enhancement of human rights in Sri Lanka and have regretfully decided to bring to an end their activity.

The group said that it had made substantial suggestions and observations in a report to the President but most of these suggestions have been ignored or rejected.