The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption yesterday said that it would commence investigations into allegations of corruption against former President Chandrika Kumaranatunga and six others, following a Supreme Court directive based on the Waters Edge judgment.

One of the Commissioners, retired Supreme Court Judge P. Edussuriya, told The Island that the Commission received files pertaining to the judgment only a few days ago. He said the documents have to be ascertained as to whether the case would fit in to Section 70 of the Bribery Act of 1994.

However, the case would be given priority as directed by the Supreme Court, he said.

"We also need to obtain more documents from the Supreme Court," he said.

Once the documents are perused, the files would be handed over to the Director, Investigations.

Justice Edussuriya said that the Commission was understaffed and there were plenty of cases to be investigated.