1 ! " ##$% L.D-O 12/94 AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA; TO SET OUT THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF SUCH COMMISSION; AND TO PROVIDE FOR MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO. 1. This Act may be cited as the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act, No.21 of 1996 and shall come into operation on such date as the Minister may appoint by Order published in the Gazette (hereinafter referred to as the “appointed date”) Short title and date of operation. PART I ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA 2. (1) There Shall be established a Commission which shall be called and known as the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (hereinafter in this Act referred to as “the Commission”) Establishment of Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (2) The Commission shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal and may sue and be sued in its corporate name. 3. (3) The seal of the Commission shall be in the custody of the Secretary to the Commission and may be altered in such manner as may be determined by the Commission. (1) The Commission shall consist of five members, chosen from among person having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights. (2) The member of the Commission shall be appointed by the president, on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council. Provided however, that during the period commencing on the appointed date and ending on the date when the Constitutional Council is established, members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister in consultation with the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition. (3) In making recommendations, under subsection (2), the Constitutional Council and the Prime Minister shall have regard to the necessity of the minorities being represented of the Commission. (4) One of the members so appointed shall be nominated by the President to be the Chairman of the Commission Constitution of the Commission and term of office & c.