Main opposition of Sri Lanka calls to free political prisoners

Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) today called the government to pardon thousands of political prisoners in the country including the former Army Commander and DNA Leader Sarath Fonseka who is serving a 30-month rigorous prison sentence.

UNP Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella has said at a ceremony in Kandy today that according to the United Nations there are 9,000 political prisoners in Sri Lanka.

He has observed that it was the fervent hope of everyone that these prisoners will be freed at least during the 2600th Sambuddha Jayanthi celebrations next year.

Kiriella has said that it was time for the country to move forward without being stuck in petty politics.