The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law
Harshana Nanayakkara stated that pardons for prisoners convicted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act fall under the President’s constitutional powers under Article 34, not the Minister of Justice. He said families of around 11 to 15 imprisoned individuals had submitted names for consideration, and while he is studying the matter, any decision or application for pardon must be directed to the President.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 As I have indicated, granting of pardon is a constitutional prerogative of the President, not of the Minister of Justice. As per Article 34, the President has those powers. Families of about 15 individuals convicted and imprisoned under the PTA met me and handed over a letter. Those names are being considered to see what can be done. I cannot make promises, since the prerogative lies with the President. Any applications can be made to the President as well. I am studying the matter; there were around 11 to 15 names in that letter, if I recall correctly. That is my answer.
Provenance
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- Hansard, Thursday, 7 August 2025 ·No. 1755509552009433 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 7 August 2025. No. 1755509552009433. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/24289