Rights Group Demands Transparency in Presidential Pardons

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Committee for the Protection of Prisoners’ Rights has filed a formal complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), calling for an immediate investigation into alleged corruption and misconduct within the prison system related to the misuse of presidential pardons.

Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera, representing the committee, stated that the recent release of certain inmates under questionable circumstances has created a sense of injustice among other prisoners. He alleged that a group of prison officials had orchestrated a scheme to manipulate the presidential pardon process for personal gain.

“We have also raised concerns about corruption within prison hospitals and demanded legal action against those responsible,” Perera said. “While we respect the President’s constitutional authority to grant pardons, the process must be transparent. The list of recommended inmates originates from the prison system, which bears a heavy responsibility.”

Committee organizer Sudesh Nandimal further accused senior prison officials of long-standing corrupt practices. 

“This isn’t the first time,” Nandimal said. “We believe similar incidents occurred under previous administrations. These officials are not just undermining the justice system—they’re attempting to manipulate the government itself.”