Vesak pardon blunder: Minister warns of prior incidents

A special investigation is underway into the release of an inmate from Anuradhapura Prison who was not included in the list of prisoners granted a Presidential pardon to mark Vesak, raising serious concerns over irregularities within the prison system.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is handling the inquiry, following a formal complaint made by an Additional Secretary to the President on June 7.

The same day, the CID recorded a lengthy statement from Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya, who was questioned until 2 a.m., according to the Minister.

“This is a serious breach. The President did not authorise a pardon for this individual, and there are indications that similar unauthorised releases may have occurred in the past. The law will be enforced against the responsible officers of the Prisons Department,” he said.

The inmate, convicted of financial fraud, was among those released during the Vesak amnesty, but his name was not included in the official list of 388 prisoners approved for a Presidential pardon. According to the President’s Media Division, the release was carried out without the required authorisation.

Under existing procedures, prison officials must submit recommendations through the Ministry of Justice and National Integration. Final approval lies solely with the President. Any deviation from this process is considered a serious violation.

Meanwhile, The Assistant Commissioner of the Anuradhapura Prison was arrested by the CID yesterday evening (08) in connection with the alleged unlawful release of prisoners.