A Royal order in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has granted clemency to 44 Sri Lankan detainees spread across various UAE prisons.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE officially informed the Sri Lankan Embassy in Abu Dhabi, stating that this pardon was extended on the occasion of the UAE's 52nd National Day on December 02.
The gesture follows the recent visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to the UAE for COP28, reflecting the robust bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and the UAE. The Sri Lankan Embassy anticipates that this act of clemency will enhance the friendly relations between the two nations.
The UAE government will facilitate the repatriation of these individuals to Sri Lanka, with collaborative efforts between the Sri Lankan Embassy, UAE government authorities, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. Ambassador Udaya Indrarathne expressed gratitude to the UAE government for the arrangements, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka commended the UAE leadership for their empathy and generosity.
