The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has concluded that the arrest and suspension of former Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya violated his fundamental rights. 

In a statement, the Commission noted that his detention was not carried out according to proper procedure and that his suspension from duty was imposed unlawfully.

In its recommendations issued on March 23, 2026, the HRCSL directed the Inspector General of Police and the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security to examine the actions of the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and take appropriate measures. 

It further recommended that the Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration take suitable action regarding the suspension process. The Commission also ordered that all officials be reminded through a circular to strictly follow constitutional and legal provisions when making arrests. 

The recommendations, signed by Commission Chairperson retired Supreme Court Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya and Commissioner Nimal G. Punchihewa, must be implemented and reported back by April 30, 2026.

The case was brought before the Commission following a complaint lodged by Upuldeniya’s wife, H.M.K. Herath, on June 16, 2025. She alleged that her husband had been unlawfully suspended and deliberately removed from his post without fair reason, causing injustice and humiliation to him and his family.

Upuldeniya was arrested on June 9, 2025, by the CID after a complaint from the Presidential Secretariat regarding the release of a prisoner from Anuradhapura Prison on Vesak Poya Day. The Colombo Magistrate’s Court remanded him on June 10 and later released him on bail on July 9, 2025, under conditions including a travel ban and prohibition from entering prison premises.

The Commission concluded that his rights under Articles 12 and 13(1) of the Constitution had been violated, underscoring the need for accountability and adherence to due process in future arrests and disciplinary actions. (Newswire)

The post HRCSL finds FR violations in arrest and suspension of former prisons commissioner general appeared first on Newswire.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today granted bail to suspended Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya, who was arrested and remanded over the alleged unlawful release of an inmate under a presidential pardon.

Upuldeniya was suspended from duties per a Cabinet decision, pending a probe into the unlawful release of a convicted banker under a presidential pardon on Vesak Poya this year. 

During previous proceedings, the court was informed by the Attorney General’s Department that Upuldeniya had unlawfully released Athula Thilakarathna under a Presidential pardon, despite him not being on the official Vesak pardon list.

The court was also informed that Upuldeniya is alleged to have bypassed legal procedures and operated the department like a “private empire”.

Preliminary investigations have found that over 60 inmates may have been released illegally using the Presidential Pardon system. (Newswire)

The post Presidential pardon scandal : Prisons Chief granted bail appeared first on Newswire.

The Superintendent of the Anuradhapura Prison, who was remanded over the unauthorised release of a prisoner under a presidential pardon, has been granted bail. 

The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court today released the prison Superintendent on two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each. 

The court also imposed an overseas travel ban on the prison Superintendent, while the case is to be called again on 04 August 2025.

The Superintendent of Anuradhapura Prison was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on 08 June. 

He was arrested over the unlawful release of a convicted banker under the Vesak Poya presidential pardon. 

The Superintendent of the Anuradhapura Prison was the first official to be arrested over the recent presidential pardon scandal in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

The post Presidential pardon scandal : Anuradhapura prison official granted bail appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka Police says a probe by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has found that 68 prisoners had been unlawfully released under previous presidential pardons. 

Addressing the media yesterday, DIG Ruwan Gunasekera said that 57 inmates were released for Christmas last year and 11 inmates for Independence Day this year. 

“As soon as the unauthorised release of the convicted banker started making rounds, the CID launched a probe into the matter. The investigations found that 57 prisoners had been released on Christmas Day last year, and 11 on Independence Day this year. The CID appointed a committee to further probe these incidents,” he said. 

DIG Ruwan Gunasekera said that the suspended Prisons Commissioner General, Thushara Upuldeniya, was aware of the investigations and appointment of the committee.

“Amidst this, Thushara Upuldeniya had sent a letter to the Justice Ministry informing that the release of the convicted banker was normal and justified. Instead of verifying whether the prisoner’s name was on the list authorised by the President, he sent a justification to the Justice Ministry. The CID conducted further probes into the matter and took him into custody,” he said. 

DIG Ruwan Gunasekera made the remarks to provide a clarification on the ongoing Police investigations, due to the various comments being made by various persons on the matter. 

Suspended Prisons Commissioner General, Thushara Upuldeniya, and the Superintendent of the Anuradhapura Prison were arrested and remanded after it was found that convicted banker W. M. Athula Tilakaratne’s release from the Anuradhapura Prison under the 2025 Vesak Day Presidential Pardon was unauthorised. 

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara also 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. 

DIG Ruwan Gunasekera said that further investigations are ongoing in the unauthorised releases under the Presidential Pardon system. (Newswire)

The post 68 more unauthorised prison releases – Police appeared first on Newswire.

Suspended Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya has been further remanded until June 25. He was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (June 11) following his arrest by the CID.

The investigation relates to the alleged unlawful release of an inmate under the presidential pardon, with the Cabinet on Monday deciding to suspend his duties.

The Attorney General’s Department told Colombo Magistrate’s Court that Upuldeniya unlawfully released the convicted financial fraudster under a Presidential pardon. The inmate, Athula Thilakarathna, was not on the official Vesak pardon list.

Upuldeniya is alleged to have bypassed legal procedures and operated the department like a “private empire,” court was informed.

Preliminary investigations also revealed that 68 inmates may have been released illegally.

The CID arrested Upuldeniya on June 9, and his bail was denied due to potential interference with the investigation. (Newswire)

The post Presidential pardon scandal : Prisons Chief further remanded appeared first on Newswire.

Some officials in key state departments who should be preventing crime and corruption are themselves engaging in such illegal practices, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, speaking out on the recent Presidential pardon scandal. 

Speaking during an event to commemorate Poson Poya in Mihintale, the President said not all but some officials have been found to be engaging in corruption. 

“The Prisons Department is illegally releasing inmates. Some Police officers have now become the protectors of criminals, instead of curtailing crime. The Immigration Department, which should ensure the prevention of fake passports, is now issuing forged passports to underworld leaders. The Motor Traffic Department, which is responsible for the legal registration of vehicles, is now engaged in corruption in exchange for money. This is the state of the country,” he said. 

President Dissanayake pointed out that however, several immigration, DMT, Prison and Police officers were recently arrested in connection with their corrupt activities. 

Pointing out that social structure has collapsed, the President emphasised the need to reform and rebuild the state departments, making them corruption-free.

“Citizens do not view these institutions with confidence or peace of mind. Therefore, a well-disciplined civic programme must be established to foster a sense of civic responsibility among the people,” he added. 

His remarks come after it was recently uncovered that convicted banker W. M. Athula Tilakaratne’s release from the Anuradhapura Prison under the 2025 Vesak Day Presidential Pardon was unauthorised. 

The President approves the Presidential pardons, but Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara confirmed that the inmate’s name was not on the official list of 388 inmates approved for pardon for the Vesak Festival. (Newswire)

The post Prisoners released illegally : President speaks appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to make public the list of persons who had been granted Presidential Pardons in view of the Vesak Festival. 

In a post on ‘X’, MP Premadasa said that the President, who promised transparency, must publish the full list in Parliament and audit the process.

“388 Vesak pardons were cleared; yet a fraudster not on the list walked out. The President, who promised transparency, signed the order, so in the interest of transparency and system change, the President should not just pass the buck, but publish the full list in Parliament & audit the process,” MP Premadasa said. 

The Opposition Leader’s comments come after it was found that convicted banker W. M. Athula Tilakaratne’s release from the Anuradhapura Prison under the 2025 Vesak Day Presidential Pardon was unauthorised. 

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara yesterday revealed 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. 

The unauthorised release led to the arrest of the Deputy Commissioner of Anuradhapura Prison by the CID. He remains in remand custody.

Meanwhile, during yesterday’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.

As such, Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya was sent on compulsory leave and was later arrested by the CID. (Newswire)

The post Presidential pardon scandal : Sajith urges President to publish full list of inmates appeared first on Newswire.

The Sri Lanka Police are investigating whether over 20 persons had been unlawfully granted Presidential Pardons during the Christmas Festival last year, it was reported. 

According to media reports, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has received information that 25 unauthorised persons had been released under Presidential Pardons from various prisons in the country.

It is reported that the CID has launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter and intends to record statements from the officials in charge of the prisons from which these inmates had been released. 

The Police had uncovered the matter during investigations conducted into the unauthorised release of convicted banker, W. M. Athula Tilakaratne, from the Anuradhapura Prison under the 2025 Vesak Day Presidential pardon.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara recently 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.

The scandal led to the Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya being sent on compulsory leave following a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held yesterday. 

Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya was later arrested by the CID. 

Previously, the Deputy Commissioner of the Anuradhapura Prison was arrested by the CID over the matter and remains in remand custody. (Newswire/ Image- file pic)

The post Over 20 illegal Christmas Presidential Pardons? appeared first on Newswire.

The government has decided to send Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya on compulsory leave.

It is reported that the decision was taken during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, Chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today. 

The decision has been taken based on an investigation into the allegation that a prisoner was released illegally under a Presidential pardon. (Newswire)

The post Prisons Commissioner General sent on compulsory leave appeared first on Newswire.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara today warned certain media to refrain from using media freedom as a tool to achieve their personal agendas. 

Addressing the Parliament today, the Justice Minister said that it has been observed that certain media were abusing their media freedom by spreading false information.

Minister Harshana Nanayakkara referred to the media outlet owned by the brother of former Parliamentarian Duminda Silva, who remains in remand custody. 

“No matter what you say, your brother will not receive a Presidential Pardon. You will not be able to receive a Presidential Pardon by spreading false information against us or individuals through your media,” he said. 

The Justice Minister also revealed that the former Parliamentarian had remained in the prison hospital for over 1 and ½ years without any illness.

“We were firm that there should be equal treatment for all prisoners. Ultimately, a 14-member committee of doctors appointed by the Health Ministry found that the former Parliamentarian did not have any illness. He was then returned to the prison cell,” the minister briefed Parliament. 

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara further said that those found to be abusing media freedom will be strictly dealt with through legal means. (Newswire)

The post “Your brother will not get Presidential Pardon”, Justice Minister tells media outlet appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Maithripala Sirisena recorded a statement with the Bribery Commission for two hours yesterday regarding the presidential pardon granted to Jude Shramantha Jayamaha, who was convicted of a murder at the Royal Park apartment in Colombo. 

It is reported that the former President was summoned before the Bribery Commission to record a statement regarding a complaint alleging that he had accepted a bribe to grant the presidential pardon. 

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Executive Committee Member Montague Sarachchandra filed the complaint with the Bribery Commission in 2022.

The complainant sought an investigation into whether former President Maithripala Sirisena or former MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera had received money as a bribe to grant the presidential pardon to Jude Shramantha Jayamaha.

Jude Shramantha Jayamaha was sentenced to death for the murder of Yvonne Jonsson at the Royal Park condominium complex in Rajagiriya in 2005. He was, however, later granted a presidential pardon by former President Maithripala Sirisena in 2019.

In June this year, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka quashed the order of former President Maithripala Sirisena to grant a presidential pardon to Jude Shramantha Jayamaha, stating it was in violation of the Constitution. (Newswire)

The post Royal Park presidential pardon : Maithripala questioned appeared first on Newswire.

Chief Prelates of the Malwathu, Asgiri, Amarapura and Ramanya Chapters have written to President Ranil Wickremesinghe seeking a presidential pardon for Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

In March 2024, General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) Gnanasara Thera was sentenced to 04 years of rigorous imprisonment over an inflammatory statement made in 2016. 

A case was filed against Ven. Gnanasara Thera for having caused harm to national and religious harmony with his statement on the Kuragala Buddhist Temple, made during a press briefing in Colombo in 2016.

Chief Prelates Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero of the Malwathu Chapter, Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero of the Asgiri Chapter, Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Maha Nayaka Thero of Amarapura Nikaya and Venerable Makulewe Wimala Mahanayake Thero of the Ramanya chapters urged President Wickremesinghe to consider granting Gnanasara Thera a Presidential pardon.

Gnanasara Thero’s actions were commended by many and were instrumental in preventing religious and ethnic conflicts, the Prelates said. 

Gnanasara Thera who chaired the Presidential Task Force to implement the ‘One Country, One Law’ concept has contributed significantly to ensuring national security and prevented extremism from taking hold, they pointed out. 

The Venerable Prelates in their letter to the President requested Wickremesinghe to take note of these contributions and to grant Venerable Gnanasara a Presidential pardon in view of the upcoming Vesak Festival. (Newswire)

The post Chief Prelates seek Presidential pardon for Gnanasara Thera in view of Vesak appeared first on Newswire.

Presidential pardons are to be granted to over 700 prisoners in celebration of the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), a total of 779 prisoners are to be granted presidential pardons. 

The PMD added that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will grant the Presidential pardons per Article 34(1) of the Constitution. (Newswire)

The post President Ranil grants Presidential pardon to over 700 prisoners appeared first on Newswire.

Former LTTE cadre Selliah Navaratnam who was sentenced over the Central Bank bombing in 1996 has been granted a Presidential pardon, it was reported.

Selliah Navaratnam was sentenced to 200 years in prison after being found guilty of the 1996 Central Bank bombing that killed 91 people.

According to NewsFirst, a Senior Official attached to Sri Lanka’s Department of Prisons said that Selliah Navaratnam was given a Presidential Pardon for good behaviour.

The Senior Official further said that another LTTE cadre who was serving a life sentence had also been granted a Presidential pardon.

56-year-old S. Sanmugarajah was serving a life sentence after he was found guilty of peddling goods to the LTTE. 

The Senior Official from the Department of Prisons added that both presidential pardons were effective from July 18, 2023. (NewsWire)

The post LTTE cadre guilty of CBSL Bombing, among two given Presidential pardon appeared first on Newswire.