Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the government took immediate action following the unauthorized release of an individual named W. M. Athula Tilakaratne from Anuradhapura Prison under the 2025 Vesak Day Presidential pardon.
The minister confirmed that Tilakaratne’s name was not on the official list of 388 inmates approved for pardon by the President, nor was it supported by court documentation. “It was clear that an irregularity had occurred,” Nanayakkara said. A complaint was lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) by the Presidential Secretariat on June 6, the Minister said.
The incident prompted scrutiny of senior prison officials. Nanayakkara noted that while neither he nor the Justice Ministry Secretary has the authority to remove the Prisons Chief, a Cabinet paper was submitted today to authorise the officer’s removal. “During today’s Cabinet meeting, it was decided to place the Prisons Chief on compulsory leave, launch a preliminary investigation, and take disciplinary action based on the findings,” Nanayakkara said.
Accordingly, Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya was sent on compulsory leave following a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake earlier today.
In a statement issued June 7, the Presidential Secretariat confirmed that Tilakaratne—convicted in a financial fraud case—was not among those authorized for release. The list submitted by the Commissioner General of Prisons on May 6 under reference number 06/01/Proposal/Pres.Pardon/List/05-12/2025 did not include Tilakaratne’s name.
Under Article 34(1) of the Constitution, the President may grant pardons following a review process involving prison authorities, the Ministry of Justice, and the Presidential Secretariat.
On June 8, the CID arrested the Deputy Commissioner of Anuradhapura Prison in connection with the unauthorized release. The Department of Prisons earlier claimed the release was carried out under standard procedures for Vesak pardons, asserting that Tilakaratne met the general eligibility criteria. (Newswire)
