President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has extended the term of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing alleged instances of political victimisation of the previous government. Accordingly, the term of the commission has been extended by 4 months until 9th November 2020. The PCoI probing alleged instances of political victimisation is to submit its interim report by the end of July. Informed sources at the PCoI said while investigations had been delayed, the Committee hopes to submit its first report this month. “The Covid-19 pandemic caused the inquiry to be pushed back, but now they have got back on track since the reopening of the country. Thus, the interim report should be handed over to the President at the end of this month.” The term of a PCoI is usually six months but that can be prolonged if their task is incomplete. “The investigations are not even close to being complete, particularly with regard to the probe over Avant Garde Maritime Services. So it is expected the Commission will request an extension when submitting the interim report,” sources said. The Commission is chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Upali Abeyaratne, while the other members include retired Court of Appeal Justice Daya Chandrasiri Jayathilake and retired Inspector of Police Chandra Fernando.