Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said on Monday that the Cabinet is studying recommendations on a mechanism for granting presidential pardons to convicted prisoners.
The recommendations were made by a committee led by retired Supreme Court judge Sithambarampillai Thurairaja, PC. The government appointed the committee on 25 June 2025 to examine Article 34(1) of the Constitution, other statutes and court rulings. The minister said the Cabinet has not yet reached a consensus and declined to give details.
The issue has drawn attention because of the dispute over prison authorities requiring Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagodaththe Gnanasara to wear civilian clothes when produced in court. In September, the Supreme Court rescinded the pardon that former President Maithripala Sirisena granted him in May 2019 while he was serving a six-year term for contempt of court.
The outcome will decide how future pardons are considered. The Cabinet has not said when it will take up the recommendations.
