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Don’t accept pardon, SB told
Beleaguered former Samurdhi Minister S. B. Dissanayake has been asked by the UNP leadership not to accept a possible pardon by President Mahinda Rajapakse. Chairman of the Committee to Emancipate S. B. Dissanayake, Matara District MP Mahinda Wijesekera told The Sunday Times that Mr. Dissanayake who is likely to be appointed as the UNP Deputy Leader following party reforms, has been advised by UNP lawyers that he would be eligible for parole after April 2006.

Earlier during the Presidential Election, newly appointed National List MP Dallas Alahapperuma-a confidant of the President had approached Mr. Dissanayake, reportedly promising him a pardon in return for his cross over to the UPFA which Mr. Dissanayake had turned down.

Mr. Wijesekera said that since one and a half years of the two year prison sentence would be completed in April Mr. Dissanayake would be eligible for parole.Mr. Dissanayake is eligible to be reinstated as an MP, as the offence committed-contempt of court- did not constitute a penal offence since he was sentenced under provisions of the Constitution, UNP lawyers have opined, Mr. Wijesekera said.
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