388 Inmates released islandwide under Vesak Poya day Presidential pardon

The special pardon, announced today (12), applies to prisoners meeting specific criteria:

One week of pardon for every year or part thereof served in prison;

Full remission of sentences for inmates imprisoned due to non-payment of fines;

Full pardon for inmates over 65 years of age who have served at least half of their sentence.

Among the 388 pardoned are 384 male prisoners and 4 female prisoners. The release spans multiple prisons across the island, including:

40 inmates from Welikada Prison,

38 from Wariyapola Prison,

36 from Anuradhapura Prison, and

30 from Mahara Prison.

This act of clemency reflects the values of compassion, forgiveness, and renewal associated with Vesak, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha.

Prison authorities have confirmed that the released inmates will be reintegrated under careful supervision and support frameworks aimed at rehabilitation.