Ranjan Ramanayake released from Welikada prison on ‘Conditional Presidential Pardon’

Sri Lankan politician Ranjan Ramanayake reacts after being released from the main Welikada prison in Colombo August 26, 2022. (Photo by Ishara S. Kodikara / AFP via Getty Images)
Former Sri Lankan Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake was released from Welikada prison today (August 26) afternoon, after President Ranil Wickremesinghe granted a conditional Presidential Pardon earlier today.
A statement from the President’s Media Division noted that the Pardon will be subject to the conditions that Ranjan Ramanayake no longer make any statement that is in contempt of court, and does not act in such a manner.
On the 12th of January 2021, Ranjan Ramanayake was sentenced to a four-year rigorous imprisonment by the Supreme Court over a derogatory comment he had made with regard to the judiciary, outside the Temple Trees on August 21, 2017.
Earlier this year, Ramanayake was sentenced to a two-year rigorous imprisonment, suspended for five years over the second contempt of court charge.

Sri Lankan politician Ranjan Ramanayake reacts after being released from the main Welikada prison in Colombo August 26, 2022. (Photo by Ishara S. Kodikara / AFP via Getty Images)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka to receive 35,000 metric tons of fuel as new shipment arrives tomorrow March 15, 2026
- Sri Lanka makes QR code mandatory for fuel distribution March 15, 2026
- PM Harini calls drug crisis a national priority March 14, 2026
- Marandagahamula rice warehouses reopen to boost rice supply March 14, 2026
- Sri Lanka has four-month rice surplus, Trincomalee oil tank upgrades planned March 14, 2026


What is the SJB leader doing in this ‘release’ ceremony?
Is he looking for another egg on his face?