Pardon for 512 prisoners to mark Independence Day

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has granted pardons to 512 prisoners to mark Independence Day, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said yesterday.

In a statement, the PMD said that the pardon was granted in accordance with the powers vested in the President by Article 34 of the Constitution and on the recommendation of Justice, Human Rights and Legal Reforms Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

“Those who will be released have been serving jail terms after being convicted for minor offences such as theft, breach of trust and drunk driving. No one imprisoned or convicted for major offences such as rape, robbery, grave sexual abuse and soliciting bribes is on the list,” it said.

The statement added that the pardon would apply only to those prisoners who were in remand from 31 January this year. They are expected to be released this morning.