Ongoing investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have revealed that 30 inmates were released from prisons without any official documentation.
The CID has launched a comprehensive probe into the illegal release of prisoners under the guise of presidential pardons. These revelations have come to light as part of that investigation.
Notably, the former Commissioner General of Prisons, Thushara Upuldeniya, is currently in custody in connection with this matter.
The released individuals had reportedly been freed under various categories, and CID officers are now investigating the specific grounds and procedures used for their release.
Amid these developments, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijeyapala informed Parliament that, in contrast, there have also been reports of 37 individuals who were granted presidential pardons but have not yet been released.
In response to the growing controversy, the Ministry of Justice is focusing on a major reorganization of the Prisons Department.
All prison superintendents have been summoned to Colombo on the 23rd for a high-level discussion chaired by the relevant minister. A separate meeting is also scheduled for the same afternoon, chaired by the Acting Commissioner General of Prisons, to address the current crisis within the department.
Furthermore, sources indicate that a large-scale transfer of all prison superintendents is being planned as part of broader reforms.
