President Must Grant General Amnesty to Tamil Political Prisoners: Shanakiyan
23-May-2026.
Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam questioned what mechanisms are in place to review prolonged detention cases in line with fairness, proportionality, and non-discrimination, and what role the Ministry of Justice has played in facilitating or recommending presidential pardons for Tamil political prisoners serving long-term or life sentences.
He raised these matters under Standing Order 27/2 during the Parliamentary session on 21 May.
He stated:
“It is widely accepted internationally that persons involved in political struggles or protests should not be treated as ordinary criminals, but as political prisoners.
Internationally recognised standards, including those of the Council of Europe, acknowledge that detention arising primarily from political beliefs, activities, or identities, particularly where fundamental rights are violated or legal proceedings are politically influenced, may constitute political imprisonment.
Sri Lanka itself provides precedent. Following past insurrections, persons linked to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna were granted amnesty, released, and reintegrated into democratic political life. Many today hold public office.
However, a contradiction exists in the continued detention and legal treatment of persons linked to the Tamil political struggle. Many remain detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act while facing extraordinary delays in indictments and trials. This raises serious concerns regarding equality before the law and proportionality.
The National People’s Power promised in its election manifesto to resolve the issue of political prisoners.
Will the Ministry of Justice provide a list of all persons held in long-term detention, including those under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, together with the current legal status of their cases?
What measures has the Attorney General’s Department taken to expedite indictments and prosecutions in long-pending cases? What steps have been taken to reduce judicial delays?
Are there mechanisms to review prolonged detention cases in line with fairness, proportionality, and non-discrimination? What role has the Ministry played in facilitating or recommending presidential pardons for those serving long-term or life sentences? What steps have been taken to fulfil the promises made in the National People’s Power manifesto regarding political prisoners?” he asked.
Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara requested additional time to respond. Governments requesting “more time” after decades. Humanity’s most durable administrative tradition.
