A statement from the Police Media Division reveals that the Presidential Pardon program has been misused, resulting in the illegal release of several inmates. It is alleged that, in addition to prisoners officially granted clemency during the 2025 Vesak Poya Day program, other inmates were also released unlawfully, being treated as if they had received a pardon.
A complaint regarding these irregular releases was submitted to the Department of Criminal Investigations (CID) by the Presidential Secretariat on June 6. The CID has since launched a special investigation into the matter.
According to current findings, the CID has recorded a statement from the Commissioner General of Prisons and is continuing to review documents. The investigation suggests that a number of inmates were freed under the guise of presidential clemency without proper authorization.
The CID has initiated a full probe into all prison officials and related personnel involved in these unauthorized releases. Evidence also indicates that this may not be the first instance of such misconduct, with similar actions having reportedly occurred during past amnesty programs.
The Police Media Division confirms that judicially convicted individuals have been illegally released, prompting formal investigations against the responsible prison authorities.
