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Colombo: Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday granted an amnesty to 762 convicts to mark a key Buddhist anniversary, but resisted calls to release a firebrand Buddhist monk.
Addressing inmates at the main Welikada prison, Sirisena promised financial support to re-integrate them in society, but made no reference to monk Galagodaatte Gnanasara, whose release was demanded on Friday by the Buddhist hierarchy.
Sri Lanka has declared two days of holidays for nationwide celebrations of Vesak, or the commemoration of the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha.
Those who benefited from the amnesty had been serving short jail terms for minor offences and none had been convicted of murder or rape, officials said. The 762 released on Saturday included several women. (AFP)
Addressing inmates at the main Welikada prison, Sirisena promised financial support to re-integrate them in society, but made no reference to monk Galagodaatte Gnanasara, whose release was demanded on Friday by the Buddhist hierarchy.
Sri Lanka has declared two days of holidays for nationwide celebrations of Vesak, or the commemoration of the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha.
Those who benefited from the amnesty had been serving short jail terms for minor offences and none had been convicted of murder or rape, officials said. The 762 released on Saturday included several women. (AFP)
