"I'd love to speak like I used to, but I cannot," - Ranjan talks to the press after released from prison

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ranjan Ramanayake who was released from prison on Friday (26) revealed that he was prohibited from speaking on certain matters as per the conditions of the Presidential Pardon given to him.

Speaking to reporters for the first time since his release the former lawmaker said that if he violates the conditions of the pardon, the suspended prison term imposed on him will come into effect again, which means he would have to serve time for another five years.

"I love to speak like I used to, but I cannot," he told reporters in Colombo, flanked by the Opposition Leader and SJB MPs.

Ranjan Ramanayake said he is programmed to speak the truth, and unfortunately he is now forced to keep those matters to himself.

He thanked the President, Opposition Leader, and Justice Minister (Dr.) Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe & Rakitha Rajapakshe, the Chief Justice, Supreme Court Justices, and all those who worked tirelessly for his released.

"When the opposition leader made repeated requests for a pardon for me the Former President repeatedly ignored those requests. But, he granted a pardon to a man who killed four people as part of an organized crime," said Ramanayake while noting that he has to be careful with the words he uses to avoid violating the terms of his Conditional Presidential Pardon.

"It was then the opposition leader who worked to ensure that I was given a mat, and then a mattress when I was forced to sleep on the floor. He worked to get me transferred from Angunukolapelessa to Colombo to pursue my higher studies," said the Former Lawmaker.

He also thanked Ministers Harin Fernando, and Manusha Nanayakkara for taking his case to Geneva, with the guidance of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Ranjan Ramanayake dismissed claims that he would change his stance, and would switch sides.

Ramanayake also referred to the phrase 'They are all Friends" which led to his conviction in the first place.