The Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya was arrested yesterday (June 9) over explosive allegations of illegally granting a presidential pardon to a high-profile inmate and is set to appear before Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) took Upuldeniya into custody following a probe into claims that he abused presidential pardon powers to secure the early release of a prisoner under questionable circumstances.

A police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, stating that Upuldeniya had been questioned for three straight days before being detained. Investigators allege he bypassed legal protocols in facilitating the inmate’s release.

In a dramatic late-night development, the Cabinet—chaired by the President—moved swiftly to suspend Upuldeniya, citing concerns that his continued role could obstruct justice. “This decision ensures investigations remain impartial,” an official statement noted.

Nishan Dhanasinghe, Additional Secretary of the Judicial Ministry’s Prisons Division, has been named acting Commissioner General amid the unfolding scandal.

Today (10) is the Poson full moon Poya day.

It is considered a very important day to Buddhists in Sri Lanka as it commemorates the arrival of Buddhism in the country.

Various religious programmes are to be carried out in Mihintale and the Atamasthana, Solosmasthana and Buddhist temples across the island.

After the third Dharma Sangayana held in India, Mihindu Thero and his group came to Sri Lanka from Mihintalaya with the patronage of King Dharmashoka.

King Devanampiyatissa, who was ruling the country at that time, also heard Dhamma from Mihindu Thero and took refuge in Sandaham, and with the arrival of Mihindu Thero, a cultural change took place.

Along with Mihindu Thero, Sri Lanka also received 18 caste craft grades.

Having education, literature, architecture, agriculture as well as a society full of values makes Poson Poya meaningful.

It is a custom of Sri Lankan Buddhists to celebrate Poson with a festival, putting culture first.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on June 11.

He will appear before the CID to provide a statement in relation to a complaint made by former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella over the alleged importation of substandard human immunoglobulin vaccines.

Several ministers from the former government have already provided statements as part of the related investigation.