The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has accused the Government of bypassing established institutional protocols in its handling of legal action against senior prison officials involved in the controversial Vesak Day inmate release.
At a press briefing held yesterday (23), former SJB MP Wasantha Yapa Bandara slammed the NPP government for what he described as an arbitrary attempt to label public officials as corrupt, warning that such actions undermine due process and institutional integrity.
“These are not matters to be decided on political whims. There are clear protocols that mandate fair investigations and the right of officials to present their side of the story before action is taken,” Bandara said.
The comments come amid ongoing legal proceedings against several high-ranking prison officers accused of releasing an inmate without presidential approval during a special pardoning programme held on Vesak Poya Day.
Bandara also highlighted the mounting challenges within the prison system, citing overcrowding and limited resources.
He said prison authorities have already requested the Justice Ministry’s intervention to address these long-standing concerns.
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