TISL concerned by use of Executive powers to pardon political ally

• Files a RTI demanding information on whether the due process was followed

The Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) yesterday expressed their concern over the use of Executive powers to pardon a political ally.

In a statement, TISL demanded accountability in the Presidential Pardon system following the release of three persons convicted of murder since 2019 across different presidencies.

“It is deeply concerning that the public of Sri Lanka has not been presented any proof that the Constitutionally prescribed process has been followed in granting these presidential pardons,” TISL said. 

It said the release of former MP Duminda Silva, who was convicted of murder, if done in the absence of the due process in law, would amount to selective, arbitrary granting of pardon that weakens the rule of law and undermines accountability. Such pardons therefore could be viewed as a misuse of Executive power that is granted to serve the nation.

TISL has filed a RTI yesterday and reiterated the call by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka demanding information on whether the due process was followed in the release of Duminda Silva.

TISL on previous instances have made similar requests to make such information public.

In December 2020, TISL also submitted recommendations to the expert committee tasked with forming a new constitution, on the need for reforms in the granting of Presidential pardons. (https://www.tisrilanka.org/tisl-submits-proposals-to-expert-committee-on-new-constitution/).