Former President Sirisiens says he followed due process in granting a presidential pardon to the Royal Park murder convict

Former President Maithripala Sirisena, through his lawyer, informed the Supreme Court today that he followed due process and always acted reasonably when granting presidential pardon to Royal Park murder convict Don. Shamantha Jude Anthony Jayamaha.

President's Counsel Faisz Musthapha, appearing for former President Maithripala Sirisena, made these remarks when the Fundamental Rights petition was filed challenging former President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to grant Presidential Pardon to Don. Shamantha Jude Anthony Jayamaha was taken up before the Supreme Court three-judge bench, comprising Justices S. Thurairaja, Yasantha Kodagoda, and Janak de Silva, for arguments.

Musthapha submitted to the court that his client, being the President of the Republic, acted on the advice of the then Justice Minister regarding the commutation of the death sentence. He said that the then Justice Minister had recommended that 70 prisoners, including Jude Anthony Jayamaha, be commuted to life.