• This particular case is of great public interest and as such the President must explain to the citizens

By Yohan Perera  

The United National Party  has questioned the President over the decision to release former Member of Parliament Duminda Silva, who had been convicted for murder and sentenced to death in 2016.  

“The President must explain his decision to include the former Parliamentarian in his list of Presidential pardons issued yesterday (24)”a special statement issued by the party said.   

“What was the criteria used in determining those who were eligible for the Presidential pardon? This particular case is of great public interest and as such the President must explain to the citizens of the country why he chose to issue this particular pardon,” the statement added.   

The UNP further urged the President not to overrule the Judiciary through the unbridled use of the Presidential pardon. “There is a specific procedure that must be followed in issuing of such pardons and was that procedure followed in this situation?,” the party also questioned. 

• UNP further urged the President not to overrule the Judiciary through the unbridled use of the Presidential pardon