Investigation Reports to be Released Soon – Minister of Justice

17-Jun-2025

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Minister of Justice and National Unity, Harsha Nanayakkara, has announced that reports concerning alleged irregularities related to the granting of presidential pardons will be made public soon.

This announcement comes amid serious allegations that, in addition to the 338 individuals officially granted presidential pardon during Vesak, three more individuals were released, and 68 individuals, including those during the recent Nadar festival period, were released without following due process. 

In connection with these allegations, the Commissioner General of Prisons and the Superintendent of the Anuradhapura Prison have been arrested and are currently in remand custody.

Speaking on the matter, the Minister stated that an internal investigation has been launched at the ministerial level to look into the alleged abuse of the President’s power to grant pardons. 

Additionally, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has formed over 28 teams to conduct inquiries from multiple angles. Given the ongoing nature of the investigations, further details cannot be disclosed at present.

However, the Minister emphasized that the investigation reports are expected to be disclosed to the public very soon. He assured that all necessary steps are being taken diligently to ensure transparency and accountability.