Ranjan released at last

By Norman Palihawadana

Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ranjan Ramanayake, who was serving a four-year jail term for contempt of court, was released yesterday, after being granted a presidential pardon.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, and several other MPs, gathered outside the Welikada Prison, to welcome him.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe signed a conditional presidential pardon, yesterday morning.On Thursday, Ramanayake apologised to the Supreme Court for making statements that can be considered contempt of court.Ramanayake has sent an affidavit to the Supreme Court, through the Ministry of Justice.In his affidavit, Ramanayake has said he wants to apologise to the judiciary.

He has also promised not to make such statements in the future.Ramanayake was sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment, for contempt of court, in January 2021.