Sri Lanka to Grant Special Presidential Pardon to 49 Prisoners for 78th Independence Day
By Lions Roar Aotearoa National Desk
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (Tuesday, February 3, 2026) — In commemoration of Sri Lanka’s 78th National Independence Day on February 4, the government has announced a special presidential pardon for 49 inmates. The decision, made by the President, aims to provide a second chance to those meeting specific criteria while easing the burden on the national prison system during this historic celebration.
The pardon is being granted under the powers vested in the President by Article 34 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, which allows for the remission or commutation of sentences on significant national occasions.
⚖️ Criteria for Release and Remission
The Department of Prisons has outlined the specific conditions under which these 49 individuals will be granted their freedom or a reduction in their sentences:
- Sentence Remission: Prisoners currently serving terms will receive a remission of one week for every year already served.
- Fine Waivers: Inmates who were imprisoned solely due to the non-payment of court fines—specifically those with outstanding balances of less than Rs. 75,000—will have the remainder of their sentences canceled and will be released.
- Exclusions: As is standard with such pardons, the release does not apply to individuals convicted of grave crimes, including drug trafficking, child abuse, or serious violent offenses.
🏛️ Constitutional Framework
The process follows a long-standing tradition in Sri Lanka where the President exercises constitutional authority to provide amnesty on Independence Day. The Department of Prisons has confirmed that the administrative process is underway to ensure that eligible inmates can be reunited with their families in time for the national holiday.
The 78th Independence Day celebrations are expected to be held with high ceremony in Colombo, and this gesture of clemency is viewed as part of the state’s effort to promote reconciliation and social reintegration.
