Amnesty for Prisoner’s Welfare Day

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has granted a general amnesty to prisoners on the occasion of the Prisoner’s Welfare Day which falls today.

The President has granted approval for the release of these prisoners on a recommendation made by Justice and Law Reforms Minister Milinda Moragoda.

The Minister had recommended to the President that a general amnesty be granted to a selected group of prisoners under the powers vested in the President under Article 34 of the Constitution.

Accordingly a special amnesty has been granted to prisoners who were unable to pay the fine imposed on them and serving a sentence as at September 12 and for prisoners over the age of 70 as at September 12.