President Anura Kumara Dissanayake granted a special presidential pardon to several prisoners in line with the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day celebrations. Authorities announced the decision under the powers assigned to the President through Article 34 of the Constitution.
The government introduced the pardon programme as part of the annual Vesak religious observances. The move reflects the traditional practice of showing compassion and giving selected inmates an opportunity to reintegrate into society during important Buddhist celebrations.
Prison Department Confirms Official Release Process.
Officials confirmed that the President approved pardons for 61 inmates currently serving sentences in prisons across the country. Prison Department Media Spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake stated that authorities would officially release 33 prisoners today (30), which marks Vesak Day 2026
.Authorities expect the released prisoners to return to their families after completing all legal formalities. Prison officials also assured that they would follow the required procedures during the release programme.
