The Police Media Division says it has recorded a statement from the Commissioner General of Prisons regarding the release of controversial prisoners under presidential pardon during Vesak. Initial investigations indicate that a number of prisoners were released illegally during this process.
Further investigations are underway to determine whether prison authorities acted in violation of due process.
The Presidential Secretariat issued a strong statement yesterday saying that W.M. Athula Thilakaratne, the former manager of the Anuradhapura branch of a financial company who was convicted of misappropriating Rs. 4 million, was not included in the official list of 388 prisoners approved for pardon by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
A list of names is prepared by prison officials, reviewed by the Ministry of Justice, and then submitted to the Presidential Secretariat for final approval. Under Article 34(1) of the Constitution, the President may grant pardons upon recommendation.