In 1994, the President of Sri Lanka established a Commission of Inquiry into Involuntary Removal or Disappearances of Persons in certain provinces since 1 January 1988. The Commission was charged with inquiring and reporting on whether any such removals or disappearances had actually occurred; whether there existed any credible material indicating who was responsible and identifying the legal proceedings that could be taken against the persons held to be responsible; the measures necessary to prevent repetition of occurrences; and the relief that should be afforded to the families of those removed or disappeared.