247 Inmates Illegally Released Without Presidential Pardons

Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya confirmed today that investigations led by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in coordination with the Department of Justice, uncovered that a total of 247 inmates were unlawfully released from custody during three key national occasions: Christmas 2024, Independence Day 2025, and Vesak 2025.

Shockingly, many of those released had been convicted of serious crimes, including homicide, and their releases were processed using forged documentation that falsely indicated the President's approval. Officials revealed that these releases were executed before President had even reviewed or signed the official pardon lists.

One particularly controversial case involves a murder convict from Anuradhapura Prison, who was released during Vesak celebrations despite not appearing on the approved list of eligible inmates.

“This is not a clerical error; this is a systemic breach of the rule of law,” IGP Weerasuriya stated during a press conference. “The findings suggest deliberate criminal conduct aimed at manipulating the presidential pardon process.”

As a result of the scandal, the Commissioner General of Prisons has been remanded, pending further investigations. Additional arrests and disciplinary actions within the prison service and affiliated departments are expected.

Legal analysts warn that the scandal could severely undermine public trust in Sri Lanka’s justice system and raise serious concerns about corruption and accountability at the highest levels of law enforcement and corrections.

The President’s Office has yet to issue an official statement, but sources suggest a special inquiry commission may be appointed in the coming days.

The CID has launched a full-scale probe into how the forged documents were created and who was responsible for authorizing the releases. Early reports point to a coordinated network within the prison system, possibly involving senior officials, who exploited the presidential pardon process for unknown motives — potentially political or financial.