HUMAN RIGHT COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA - Annual report 2020  Search and seizure of professional equipment from the residence of a journalist (HRC/SUO/MOTU/13/20) The HRCSL launched its own investigation into the search and seizure of a laptop from the residence of a journalist in June 2020, which came to the notice of the Commission through its media monitoring activities. The Commission requested the CID to submit an explanatory report to the Commission regarding the investigation. The Director of the CID informed the Commission that the investigation was conducted in relation to the alleged abduction of an employee of the Embassy of Switzerland in the immediate aftermath of the 2019 Presidential Elections and that the laptop was recovered pursuant to a court order issued by the Colombo Magistrate in terms of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act.  Assault on a female public sector employee by a male colleague (HRC/SUO/MOTU/21/20) A video of a battery committed by a male officer attached to the Road Development Authority (RDA) on a fellow female officer was brought to the attention of the Commission through social media and the daily news bulletin. The HRCSL sought for the RDA to conduct an investigation and submit a comprehensive report on the incident. The report was submitted to the Commission. 3.4 Interventions by the Chairperson’s Office As was customary in the previous years since taking office, the Chairperson intervened to provide relief to complainants who are aggrieved by delays and other issues relating to the investigation and inquiry process. Further, direct interventions are made by the Chairperson with relevant authorities when it is deemed appropriate. Generally, such direct interventions are made in regard to complaints received on serious violation of economic and social rights via administrative action or inaction, e.g. complaints of pensioners on non-payment of pensions as it is a critical livelihood issue for senior citizens. 58