President Anuragama Pardons Relatives of Minister Vasantha: Ajith P. Perera

09-Jun-2025

.

“It is a serious matter that President Anuragama Dissanayake granted a general pardon on May 12 to an individual who was sentenced to imprisonment by the Anuradhapura High Court on May 2,” said Kalutara District Parliamentarian Ajith P. Perera of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

He further noted, “The President issued a general pardon within a very short span of time, despite the High Court previously ruling on several occasions that basic legal procedures must be followed when granting such pardons.”

He made these remarks while speaking during the condolence motion in Parliament on Jun 6.

Continuing his speech, he said, “The late MP Mavai Senathirasa raised his voice constitutionally for the liberation of the Tamil people. He opposed the detention of Tamils under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and engaged in politics to defend the rights of the Tamil community.”

“Athula Senaratne was sentenced under Section 386 of the Penal Code by the Anuradhapura High Court on May 2 in Case No. H.C. 692018. However, he was granted a general pardon by the President on May 12, Vesak Day.”

“It is extremely concerning that the President granted a pardon on May 12 to a prisoner who had only just been sentenced on 02.05.2025. The High Court has issued multiple judgments in the past outlining the required procedures for granting presidential pardons.”

He concluded, “In the past, the High Court even revoked a presidential pardon granted by former President Maithripala Sirisena and imposed a fine. We must take lessons from those precedents.”