By Former Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake, who was serving a four-year sentence on charges of contempt of court, left the prison a short while ago after being granted a presidential pardon.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa along with a host of Samagi Jana Balawegaywa MPs as well as SJB member Manusha Nanayakkara now backing President Ranil Wickremesinghe was outside the prison to welcome him.
Hundreds waited for the release of Mr. Ramanayake from earlier in the day following confirmation from the President’s office that he had been granted a conditional pardon and that he would not make any statement critical or derogatory of the entire judiciary in the future.
Mr. Ramanayake later addressing a press conference with Mr. Premadasa said that he would have to restrict himself due to the conditions imposed on him.
He said he does not intend to change his political party. Lanka Newsline reliably learns that key figures of the UNP are encouraging Ranjan Ramanayaka to ride the elephant
