COLOMBO, May 10 (Xinhua) -- 550 prisoners were released from prisons across Sri Lanka on Wednesday on a presidential pardon to commemorate the United Nations (UN) Vesak Day celebrations, the Department of Prisons said.
Those released were prisoners facing minor offenses. President Maithripala Sirisena had issued the pardon following a proposal made by Prison Reforms Minister D.M. Swaminathan to the Justice Ministry following a recommendation by the Prisons Department.
Officials from the Prisons Department said inmates facing sentences for major crimes such as murder, rape, terror activities as well as crimes against children had not been considered for the Presidential Pardon.
The UN Vesak Day celebrations will be celebrated across Sri Lanka this week to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha.
