The Presidential Secretariat has denied approving a pardon for W.H. Athula Tilakaratne, a prisoner convicted of financial fraud, reportedly released from Anuradhapura Prison during the Vesak 2025 pardons.

His name was not on the official list of 388 inmates approved by the President.

A complaint has been filed with the CID, and an investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the unauthorized release.