The Prisons Department said that 49 prisoners have been granted a special presidential pardon in view of the 78th National Independence Day.
Prisons Department Spokesperson, Prisons Commissioner A.C. Gajanayake, said the pardon was granted in accordance with the powers vested in the President under Article 34 of the Constitution.
Under the terms of the special presidential pardon, prisoners currently serving sentences will receive a remission of one week for every year already served.
In addition, the remaining sentences of prisoners who are imprisoned due to the non-payment of fines amounting to less than Rs. 75,000 will be cancelled under this pardon, the Prisons Department stated.
