Rumours are circulating that former parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake, who is currently serving a prison sentence, will be released under a presidential pardon on Independence Day.

This information is circulating among government MPs and ministers as well as opposition MPs.

A document signed by the President on Independence Day on his release under a presidential pardon has been sent to prison.

However, the Superintendent of Prisons stated this afternoon that Ranjan Ramanayake’s name was not on the list.

Ranjan Ramanayake has written to the President requesting his release from prison and several other parties have requested the President to release him.