President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued a special Presidential pardon to several prisoners imprisoned on charges under selected sections of the Penal Code in accordance with the powers vested in him by the Constitution in view of the National Vesak Festival which falls today (26). Abolition and release of remand prisoners serving non-payment of fines by 7th May. Abolition and release of prisoners over 65 years of age as at 7th May who have already served half or more of the sentence imposed on them. Releasing prisoners who were serving life sentences to 25 years by 7th May and releasing prisoners who have exceeded the Presidential pardon on Independence Day in calculating the general pardon of prison from the date of sentencing to 25 years imprisonment. Arrangements have been made to release the pardoned prisoners in accordance with the health guidelines and medical recommendations to be followed on their release today.

Source: The Nation May 26, 2021 07:52 UTC