Sarvajana Balaya Defends Legal Provisions on Presidential Pardons

Speaking at a media briefing on October 19, Senavirathna alleged that government ministers had spread misleading information about the matter to confuse the public and portray the decision as improper.

He said that anyone dissatisfied with a court ruling could seek further legal recourse through the higher courts. He also argued that the Constitution allows the President to reduce or remit certain sentences, and said the exercise of such powers would not automatically constitute an unlawful act.

Senavirathna added that the public could seek the President’s removal through the applicable constitutional process if they wished.

Referring to the pardon granted to former parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake, he questioned why the current government was portraying the matter involving Gnanasara Thera as an attempt to place someone above the law.

He maintained that Gnanasara Thera had not directly insulted the court, although he acknowledged that the monk had made a statement concerning a legal officer serving under the then government, which he described as wrong.

Senavirathna also said that a large number of people had previously come together in support of Gnanasara Thera’s release. He rejected the current President’s characterisation of the matter as an attempt to place someone above the law.

The comments reflect Senavirathna’s position on the issue, while the legal circumstances surrounding the case remain subject to the relevant legal provisions and decisions.