NPP Presidential candidate condemns President's decision to pardon Royal Park offender

Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has condemned the President’s decision to pardon a death row prisoner convicted of murdering a Swedish teenager in 2005.

Issuing a statement, the National People’s Power (NPP) candidate said that the “unlawful” and “unfair” decision has disregarded the faith placed by the public on the judiciary.

Anthony Jayamaha, was convicted of murdering a 19-year-old Swedish national Yvonne Johnson, at the Royal Park housing complex in Rajagiriya.

However, President Maithripala Sirisena had granted pardon, after previously stating that he had spent his term on good behaviour.

“What we are witnessing is a corrupt political system controlled by the wealthy class that challenges the fundamental principles of rule of law,” Dissanayake’s statement read.

He said he believes that Rule of Law is an important pillar in building a disciplined society in the country.

The NPP candidate, requested the President to revoke his decision, and also sought the intervention of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the Attorney General’s Department in the matter.