CID Launches Probe Into Alleged Illegal Use of Presidential Pardon in Vesak Day Prisoner Release

COLOMBO (News 1st);Police have revealed that emerging evidence suggests certain inmates were illegally released on Vesak Day under the guise of a presidential pardon. 

The case revolves around the release of W.H. Athula Thilakaratne, an inmate at Anuradhapura Prison convicted of financial fraud.

Authorities have confirmed that although he was released claiming a presidential pardon, his name was not on the official list of pardoned prisoners.

According to the President's Media Division, Article 34(1) of the Constitution grants the President the authority to issue general pardons. 

The standard procedure involves prison superintendents submitting a list of eligible inmates to the Ministry of Justice, which then forwards a vetted list to the Presidential Secretariat for final approval.

In this instance, a list containing 388 names was sent to the President on May 6. Thilakaratne’s name was not among them.

Following the discovery, the Presidential Secretariat filed a formal complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on the night of the incident. 

CID officers subsequently recorded a five-hour statement from Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya, between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. 

He has been requested to return today for further questioning.

Additionally, a CID team has been dispatched to Anuradhapura Prison to record statements from the prison superintendent and other relevant officials.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that a broader investigation has been launched, citing concerns that unauthorized prisoner releases may have occurred previously. 

He pledged that maximum legal action would be taken against those responsible.