Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ajith P. Perera today raised concerns in Parliament over the presidential pardon granted to W. M. Athula Tilakaratne, a former bank manager convicted of financial fraud.
According to MP Ajith Perera, the suspect who was found guilty by the Anuradhapura High Court in early May of misappropriating Rs. 4 million, was pardoned by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Vesak Poya Day, just weeks after his conviction.
MP Perera questioned the criteria and procedures followed in issuing the pardon, especially given that Tilakaratne faces several other cases, according to media reports. He called for transparency and accountability, but no response was given by the government during the session.
Several newspapers have also highlighted the case, questioning why a serious financial offender received a presidential pardon typically reserved for minor offences during religious festivals. (Newswire)
