“Rulers of Their Own Kingdoms”: Shocking Claims About Sri Lanka’s Prison System

COLOMBO (News 1st); Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed the court today that three inmates who were not included in the official list of prisoners granted a presidential pardon on Vesak Poya Day were released from the Anuradhapura Prison.

This revelation came as the Commissioner General of Prisons, Thushara Upuldeniya—currently in remand custody—was once again produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

When the suspect, Commissioner General of Prisons, was presented before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali, Additional Solicitor General Peiris disclosed key findings from the ongoing investigation.

“Your Honour, separate inquiries were conducted within the prison. As of yesterday, investigations revealed that in addition to the suspect, three other inmates were released from Anuradhapura Prison under the presidential pardon granted on Vesak Poya Day. We are now investigating all prisons across Sri Lanka, as it appears that some officials have acted like rulers of their own kingdoms—releasing inmates at their discretion.” - Additional Solicitor General Peiris.

It was further revealed that the Commissioner General of Prisons had removed one name from the original list of 37 inmates from Anuradhapura and forwarded the revised list of 36 names to the Presidential Secretariat via the Ministry of Justice.

However, after receiving approval for the 36 names, the Commissioner General of Prisons reportedly sent another document back to Anuradhapura Prison, stating that all 37 inmates had been approved for release.

“The suspect sent a letter back to the Anuradhapura Prison Superintendent stating that all 37 inmates had received the presidential pardon. But in reality, only 36 were approved. This means the suspect unilaterally granted a pardon to one inmate—an act of forging official documents and abusing his authority.” - Additional Solicitor General Peiris.

It was also revealed that the inmate at the center of this irregular release has since fled the country.

“Your Honour, the official list of pardoned inmates only includes reference numbers. It does not mention names, nature of the crime, or sentence. These documents were manipulated to suit personal agendas, and it appears they were maintained with the expectation that they would never be scrutinized. These are not the kind of records expected from a state institution.” - Additional Solicitor General Peiris.

President’s Counsel Nalinda Indatissa, appearing for the suspect, requested bail.

“Your Honour, in certain situations, it is difficult for my client to verify matters independently. That is why there is a position called Commissioner of Prisons - Operations. My client clearly instructed the Anuradhapura Prison Superintendent that any release beyond the approved list would be his responsibility. In this context, it is evident that my client had no involvement in the irregular release.”

After considering submissions from both sides, Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered that the suspect be further remanded until June 25.