Ministry of Justice Launches Investigation Over Alleged Misuse of Presidential Pardon to Illegally Release Inmate

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Justice has launched an investigation into the alleged misuse of the Presidential pardon to unlawfully release a inmate.

Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara said that a separate inquiry is being conducted into this violation of disciplinary procedures.

In parallel, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is also carrying out an independent investigation into the incident. 

Criminal Investigation Department said that they are probing whether other individuals, in addition to the Anuradhapura Prison Superintendent, were involved in the incident.

Meanwhile, Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya was arrested by the CID last night in connection with the case. Earlier during the day, the Cabinet decided to suspend him from his duties.

This decision follows allegations that the Presidential pardon was misused to facilitate the illegal release of an inmate from Anuradhapura Prison.

In a related development, Commissioner of Prisons - Operations, Gamini B. Dissanayake, was summoned by the CID yesterday afternoon to record a statement regarding the matter.

Additionally, Anuradhapura Prison Superintendent Mohan Karunaratne, who was arrested in connection with the case, has been remanded until June 11.

The CID has launched a special investigation into the release of an inmate from Anuradhapura Prison on Vesak Poya Day, despite the individual not being granted a Presidential pardon.