Former parliamentarian Duminda Silva, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, has granted presidential pardon recently. Before a month passed since his release, he became chairman of a government authority.
But Actor and former MP Ranjan Ramanayake who spoke the truth, is still at prison. Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, the Chairman of the National Movement for a Just Society, also sent a letter to the President at the time of Duminda Silva’s release, demanding the release of Ranjan Ramanayake, who is in jail for contempt of court. But there was no positive response.
Meanwhile, Ranjan and Us; Kala Hawula called a press conference yesterday (27) requesting the President to grant a presidential pardon to Ranjan Ramanayake and release him. The Artists’ Association has also taken steps to send a letter to the President with the signatures of all those in the field of art. Udayakantha Warnasuriya, Dilhani Ashokamala, Suranga de Alwis, Jeevan Kumaratunga, Anusha Damayanthi and many other artists, film directors, producers, make-up artists and cameramen who worked with Ranjan in the film industry have joined this artist partnership.
Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday, veteran actor and former parliamentarian Jeevan Kumaratunga said that although Ranjan Ramanayake’s statement before the court was wrong, it has been proven by now his criticism is fair. Pointing out that what Ranjan Ramanayake has done was criticize fraud, corruption and wrongdoing, Jeevan Kumaratunga said that the punishment meted out to him so far was sufficient. Therefore, Jeevan Kumaratunga requested as an artist, that Ranjan Ramanayake should be release considering this.
-Shani-