Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake on Friday (26) confirmed that he signed the documents for the release of imprisoned MP Ranjan Ramanayake, with permission from President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Former Sri Lankan Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake would likely receive a Presidential Pardon on Friday (26), said Justice Minister (Dr) Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.
He said the recommendations for the Presidential Pardon for Ramanayake, who is currently serving a prison term for contempt of court, were directed to the President.
On Thursday (25) Sri Lankan Minister Harin Fernando tweeted that imprisoned Former MP Ranjan Ramanayake would most likely be released from jail on Friday (26) or on Monday (29).
The Minister said the release will be on the request that was made by him along with many others to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The Minister also thanked Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe who worked tirelessly to make it happen.
Ranjan Ramanayake who is serving time for contempt of court apologized to the court via an affidavit on Thursday (25).
The affidavit produced to the court on Thursday (25) notes that Ranjan Ramanayake apologizes to the court with regard to both contempt of court cases filed against him.
Jailed for Contempt
On the 12th of January 2021, Ranjan Ramanayake was sentenced to jail for contempt of court.
Ramanayake was sentenced to four years Rigorous Imprisonment by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.
Ranjan Ramanayake was accused of Contempt of Court for making a statement on Judges and Lawyers at a media briefing close to Temple Trees on the 21st of August 2017. Following a trial the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka sentenced him to 04 years of rigorous imprisonment.
In January 2020, Ramanayake was arrested for committing a crime in terms of Article 111C (2) of the Constitution by interfering with the functions of judges. He was later granted bail, following the conclusion of the trial, he was sentenced.
On the 7th of April 2021, Sri Lankan Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene informed Parliament that the Parliamentary seat of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ranjan Ramanayake has been declared vacant.
He said the Parliament Secretary General has informed the Elections Commission that MP Ranjan Ramanayake ceases to be an MP as per Parliamentary Act.
