The leader of the United Republic Front Patali Champika Ranawaka has claimed that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake granted presidential pardons to 285 people convicted by the courts on Independence Day in 2025 and another 49 in 2026.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the People’s United Opposition today (19), former Minister Ranawaka questioned the President’s recent statement in Badulla that the government would not act contrary to court orders.

Ranawaka said the public reaction on social media to the President’s remarks reflected growing criticism of his leadership.

He also criticised the government’s handling of recent peaceful appeals by Buddhist clergy, alleging that police and ruling-party activists had been used to suppress the activities. He further accused the authorities of allowing public facilities to be closed in response to the protests.

“This is a very dangerous trend,” Ranawaka said, claiming that the JVP had organised more than 560 protests during the tenure of the good governance government without the police using force in the manner he alleged was occurring under the present administration.

Referring to the presidential pardons, Ranawaka said the release of 285 people convicted by the courts on February 4, 2025, and another 49 on February 4, 2026, contradicted the President’s stated position on complying with court orders.

He also raised concerns over alleged remarks by government MP Lakmali Hemachandra at a Colombo District Development Committee meeting in October 2025.

According to Ranawaka, the remarks concerned the proposed demolition of houses along the Kelani Valley railway line, where a court order had reportedly been obtained. He alleged that MP Hemachandra had urged officials not to comply with the court order.

Ranawaka said a complaint had been lodged by Sugeeshwara Bandara over the incident, but alleged that no legal action had been taken against the MP.

He further criticised JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva over remarks allegedly made on May 1 concerning a presidential commission comprising three judges to investigate coal-related matters.

Ranawaka claimed that Tilvin Silva had suggested the commission was intended to secure the release of JVP members while imposing penalties on others.

He argued that the incidents raised questions about the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting judicial authority.