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Ranjan not among prisoners released

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Contrary to expectations, former Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) MP Ranjan Ramanayake, who was jailed by the country’s highest court for contempt, was not among those freed yesterday (04) to mark the 74th anniversary of independence.

The SJB, some artistes, as well as civil society activists, including former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, requested that Ramanayake be released.

The Supreme Court in January 2021 sentenced Ramanayake to four years of rigorous imprisonment after convicting him of contempt of court. The case was heard before a three-judge bench comprising Justices Sisira de Abrew, Vijith Malalgoda and Preethi Padman Surasena.

Among those who pleaded for Ramanayake’s release were Galle District SLPP MP and former actress Geetha Kumarasinghe. The SJB pushed for Ramanayake’s release both in and outside Parliament with its National List MP Harin Fernando offering to serve the remaining sentence given to the former UNPer. (SF)

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