The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) appointed to investigate the Treasury bond issue has the power to take action against perpetrators, Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) leader and Western and Megapolis Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said.

“There are two types of Presidential Commissions – ordinary commissions and special commissions,” the Minister told reporters at the JHU Headquarters today.

“Ordinary commissions can make recommendations to take legal action and special commissions can make recommendations to give punishments,” he said.

He said most people didn’t know that the powers vested with the ordinary PCoIs had been extended during the former government.

“Therefore the PCoI appointed to investigate the bond issue was appointed with additional special powers vested with the commission,” the Minister said.

Under its current powers the PCoI has the power to investigate, report and refer to the Attorney General’s Department to file cases under criminal or civil law based on the facts found by the Commission, he said.