Conditional Presidential Pardon for Ranjan Ramanayake, says PMD

by Zulfick Farzan 26-08-2022 | 12:06 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st): A statement from the President's Media Division on Friday (26) noted that Former MP Ranjan Ramanayake will be granted conditional Presidential Pardon.

The statement noted that President Ranil Wickremesinghe had signed the Presidential Pardon document on Friday (26).

It also noted that the Pardon will be subject to the conditions that Ranjan Ramanayake no long make any statement that is in contempt of court, and does not act in such a manner.

The President's Media Division said that the Justice Secretary was vested with the task of proceeding with the necessary action required for Ranjan Ramanayake's release.

Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake on Friday (26) confirmed that he signed the documents for the release of imprisoned MP Ranjan Ramanayake, with permission from President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

On Thursday (25) Sri Lankan Minister Harin Fernando tweeted that imprisoned Former MP Ranjan Ramanayake would most likely be released from jail on Friday (26) or on Monday (29).

Ranjan Ramanayake who is serving time for contempt of court apologized to the court via an affidavit on Thursday (25).

The affidavit produced to the court on Thursday (25) notes that Ranjan Ramanayake apologizes to the court with regard to both contempt of court cases filed against him.

Jailed for Contempt

On the 12th of January 2021, Ranjan Ramanayake was sentenced to jail for contempt of court.

Ramanayake was sentenced to four years Rigorous Imprisonment by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.

Ranjan Ramanayake was accused of Contempt of Court for making a statement on Judges and Lawyers at a media briefing close to Temple Trees on the 21st of August 2017. Following a trial the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka sentenced him to 04 years of rigorous imprisonment.

In January 2020, Ramanayake was arrested for committing a crime in terms of Article 111C (2) of the Constitution by interfering with the functions of judges. He was later granted bail, following the conclusion of the trial, he was sentenced.

On the 7th of April 2021, Sri Lankan Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene informed Parliament that the Parliamentary seat of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ranjan Ramanayake has been declared vacant.

He said the Parliament Secretary General has informed the Elections Commission that MP Ranjan Ramanayake ceases to be an MP as per Parliamentary Act.