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BASL urges President to launch thorough probe into prisoners’ release under guise of presidential pardons

Published

9 months ago

2025/06/12

The Bar Association (BASL) has voiced serious concern over reports that an inmate was allegedly released from Anuradhapura Prison under the guise of a presidential pardon without following proper legal procedures. In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the BASL warned that such actions not only undermine the rule of law but also suggest a disturbing breakdown in institutional safeguards, raising questions of administrative misconduct and procedural impropriety. The Association has urged President Dissanayake to initiate a full, impartial investigation into the incident and to implement urgent reforms to restore transparency and accountability within the prison system.

Full text of the BASL letter to the President:

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASE) writes to express its serious concern regarding recent reports of an inmate allegedly released from Anuradhapura Prison under the guise of a Presidential Pardon, without having followed proper legal process.

As Your Excellency is aware, Article 34 of the Constitution empowers the President to grant Pardons to convicted individuals. However, this power must be exercised in a manner that is transparent, procedurally sound, and consistent with judicial precedent.

The Supreme Court Judgement of Hirunika Premachandra v. Attorney General (SC/FR 221/2021), among others, affirms that the exercise of the clemency power is subject to judicial review, especially where due process has been compromised.

The incident involving the alleged release of the convicted inmate, has raised grave questions about possible institutional malpractice, misuse of administrative authority, and breaches in the internal control systems of prison authorities. The subsequent press release issued by the Presidential Media Division (PMD) has further clarified that no such pardon had been officially granted by Your Excellency. Such unauthorised actions reflect a serious breakdown in the procedural integrity of the system, and also raises concerns of possible impropriety.

The Rule of Law must prevail without exception, and no space should exist for the arbitrary or unlawful release of prisoners, especially in a manner that disregards the victims’ rights and judicial determinations.

In this regard, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka respectfully urges Your Excellency to take steps to:-

1. Direct a full and impartial investigation into the incident, identifying all responsible parties, and taking necessary disciplinary or legal action against the perpetrators; and

2. Strengthen transparency and accountability in the operations of the Department of Prisons, with a focus on institutional reforms.

The BASL stands ready to extend its fullest cooperation to Your Excellency, the Ministry of Justice, and other relevant authorities in advancing these efforts. We remain committed to upholding the Rule of Law and ensuring that the justice system serves the people with integrity and fairness.

We trust Your Excellency will treat this matter with the urgency and gravity it deserves.

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Navy seizes a consignment of narcotics and apprehends 06 suspects in offshore operation

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Answering to the call of the national mission ‘A Nation United,’ the Navy has tightened its grip on the island’s maritime boundaries.

Striking deep in the southern waters, a successful naval mission
resulted in the seizure of a local fishing trawler and six (06) suspects, foiling a major drug smuggling attempt.

The intercepted trawler, carrying 02 suspicious sacks, and suspects were escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour today (08 Mar 26).

A specialised inspection conducted by the Police Narcotic
Bureau (PNB) confirmed that the sacks contained more than 102kg of heroin and over 900g of cocaine.

The detection was inspected on-site by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), alongside the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.

Speaking on this occasion, the Deputy Minister emphasized that under the guidance of the President and the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, the Tri-Forces, Police, and intelligence
agencies have intensified the “A Nation United” national mission, leaving no stone unturned.

He noted that during 2025, the tri-forces and police, in coordination with domestic and international agencies, conducted numerous successful operations. Notably, the Navy seized over 75 billion rupees worth of narcotics.

Despite national disasters and the escalating global conflicts
and growing reports of vessel distress in Sri Lankan waters, the Sri Lanka Navy stands vigilant around the clock, tirelessly fulfilling its critical mission in alignment with international maritime conventions.

Accordingly, the Deputy Minister commended, on behalf of the President, the Navy’s vital role in ensuring public safety and protecting the youth from drugs.

Adding further, he declared drug trafficking has become a major menace, stressing that all of society, not just authorities, must help eradicate it. He urged traffickers and dealers to quit the trade, noting that drugs cannot enter the country by sea or air. Addicts were also urged to do away with the habit, as a huge amount of money is spent on their rehabilitation.

The Deputy Minister further stated that the toxic drugs seized will remain in highly secure custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings, and arrangements have been made to destroy a large quantity of toxic drugs and case exhibits for which legal proceedings have been completed.

He also emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been granted the opportunity to operate independently. Accordingly, the public was urged to provide information regarding drug
traffickers via the hotline numbers 1818 and 1997.

Additionally, the event acknowledged the responsible journalism carried out by media institutions and journalists in raising public awareness about the drug menace.

The multi-day fishing trawler, along with the haul of narcotics and 06 suspects was handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for further investigation and legal proceedings.

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Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity – PM

Published

14 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarsooriya in her message on International Women’s Day 2026 says that the governments goal is to build a Thriving Nation where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity.

The PM’s message:

“I extend my greetings to all sisters and daughters in Sri Lanka and around the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day.This year, the United Nations has declared the global theme for International Women’s Day as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing the realization of rights, the delivery of justice, and meaningful action for all women and girls.

Women are the true pillar of Sri Lankan society and economy. The role they play within the family and in society has today become a decisive factor in shaping the future of our nation. Through the Government’s policy statement, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” we envision going beyond treating women as mere beneficiaries and recognizing them as active partners in national development, ensuring that they receive the dignity and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Within our policy framework, special focus has been placed on women. We are committed to recognizing the economic contribution extended by women as housewives, promoting women’s entrepreneurship, and expanding access to the technical and financial support necessary for self-employment alongside strengthening the legal framework required to ensure women’s safety in public transport, workplaces, and within the family environment. Further, we are taking steps to create the environment to increase women’s representation in decision-making bodies at national and regional levels. Special attention is also being given to implementing targeted programmes aimed at improving women’s nutrition, reproductive health, and mental well-being.

Women are not a group seeking sympathy; they are vital social partners endowed with intelligence, resilience, and creativity. Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity

On this International Women’s Day, I sincerely hope that it marks the beginning of a new era in which the aspirations of all women in our country are realized as they shine before the world.

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

Published

14 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 07 March 2026, valid for 08 March 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED

Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.