Unauthorized Inmate Release Sparks Major CID Investigation

COLOMBO (News 1st); A senior officer from the Anuradhapura Prison is scheduled to be presented before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court today (9), following his arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the unauthorized release of an inmate.

The 52-year-old Prison Superintendent, a resident of Kalutara South, was taken into custody yesterday (8) afternoon. 

His arrest is linked to the controversial release of an inmate from Anuradhapura Prison on Vesak Poya Day, allegedly under the guise of a presidential pardon that had not been granted.

The inmate in question, identified as W.H. Athula Tilakaratne, was reportedly released claiming he had received a presidential pardon as part of Vesak celebrations. 

However, the Presidential Secretariat later confirmed that no such pardon had been issued for the individual, prompting a formal complaint to the CID.

Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya was also summoned for a second time yesterday (8) to provide a statement regarding the incident.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that a broader investigation has been launched into previous instances where inmates may have been released without proper authorization. 

He emphasized that the government will take the strictest legal action against those found responsible.