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Prez must explain decision to include Duminda in list of pardons: UNP

24 Jun 2021

The United National Party (UNP) today (24) questioned the President over the decision to release former Member of Parliament, Duminda Silva, who was convicted for murder and sentenced to death in 2016, the Party said in a statement. Accordingly, the Party stated that the President should explain his decision to include the former Parliamentarian in his list of Presidential pardons. “What was the criteria used in determining those who were eligible for the Presidential pardon? This particular case was of great public interest and as such the President must explain to the citizens of the country why he chose to issue this particular pardon,” the Party expressed. The UNP also urged the President to refrain from overruling the judiciary through the unbridled use of the Presidential pardon.  “There is a specific procedure that must be followed in the issuing of such pardons, was this procedure followed in this situation?” the Party asked. The UNP also stated that it  re-iterates their commitment to the continued independence of the judiciary in the country.


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