Sri Lanka President to grant a special pardon to prisoners; Freedom for Fonseka anticipated

Sri Lanka Presidential Secretariat sources say that President Mahinda Rajapaksa is considering a presidential pardon for special prisoners based on the good behavior. Speculations are ripe that former Army Commander and defeated Presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka who is jailed for two prison terms will also be considered for the presidential pardon which may be granted by January 01.
The President has reportedly directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Prison Reforms A. Dissanayaka and Prisons Commissioner C.W. Kodippili to submit a report regarding the eligible prisoners for the pardon. Condemned and life sentenced prisoners are also to be considered for this pardon but the President has instructed not to be lenient to the drug peddlers. A presidential pardon of this nature has not been granted since 2002 when President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga granted such amnesty.