Sri Lanka, June 11 -- The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has express its serious concern regarding recent reports of an inmate allegedly released from Anuradhapura Prison under the guise of a Presidential Pardon, without having followed proper legal process.

In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday (11), the BASL states that Article 34 of the constitution empowers the President to grant Pardons to convicted individuals.

However, this power must be exercised in a manner that is transparent, procedurally sound, and consistent with judicial precedent, it said.

The letter further stated that the Supreme Court judgment of Hirunika Premachandra v. Attorney General (SC/FR 221/2021), among others, affirms t...