Over 250 Inmates to be Released on 77th Independence Day

In a move to mark Sri Lanka’s 77th Independence Day, the Prisons Department has announced the release of 285 inmates from various prisons across the island. The release, scheduled for Tuesday, February 4th, includes 6 female prisoners and aims to honor the national celebration.

According to Gamini B. Dissanayake, the Media Spokesman for the Department of Prisons, those selected for release will be granted a special state pardon. This gesture is part of the annual tradition tied to the country’s independence anniversary, reflecting the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.

This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to ease overcrowding in prisons and provide inmates with an opportunity for a fresh start. The specific criteria for the pardons have not been disclosed, but it is understood that those who have shown good behavior during their incarceration are typically considered for release.