Presidential Pardon Scandal: Sri Lanka’s Prisons Chief Back To Remand

COLOMBO (News 1st); Suspended Commissioner General of Prisons, Thushara Upuldeniya, has been remanded until July 9 following his appearance before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (25).

Upuldeniya was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with an ongoing investigation into the unauthorized release of inmates under the guise of a Presidential pardon.

The scandal centers around allegations that certain prisoners were illegally freed using the President’s special pardon powers, particularly during the Vesak Festival. Investigators claim that Upuldeniya abused his authority by facilitating these releases without proper legal procedures.

Prior to his arrest, the Cabinet of Ministers had placed Upuldeniya on compulsory leave and suspended him from his duties to ensure an impartial investigation.