The United National Party has questioned the President over the decision to release former Member of Parliament, Duminda Silva, who was 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). “What was the criteria used in determining those who were eligible for the Presidential pardon? This particular case was 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 UNP further urges the President not to overrule the judiciary through the unbridled use of the Presidential pardon.