President must explain the decision to pardon convicted murder: UNP

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday called on the President to explain the decision to pardon convicted murderer and former MP Duminda Silva.

Silva was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in 2016 along with two others over the murder of former Parliamentarian Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra in 2011. Silva was released yesterday morning along with 93 prisoners including 16 ex-Tamil Tiger carders who were also pardoned by the President.

Issuing a press release, the UNP urged the President not to “not to overrule the Judiciary through the unbridled use of the Presidential pardon”, pointing out that the murder Silva was convicted for was of great public interest.

“The President must explain his decision to include the former Parliamentarian in his list of Presidential pardons issued today (24 June),” the UNP stressed, adding that the public had a right to know why the President chose to issue this particular pardon.

“What were the criteria used in determining those who were eligible for the Presidential pardon?” the Opposition party questioned, requesting the President to explain if the due procedure was followed in issuing the pardon.

The UNP stated that they remain committed to the continued independence of the Judiciary in the country.