Former President Maithripala Sirisena has paid the compensation of Rs. 01 million ordered by the Supreme Court in connection with the controversial presidential pardon granted to Jude Shramantha Jayamaha, who was convicted in the Royal Park murder case.

The matter was taken up today (April 29) before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices S. Thurairajah, Yasantha Kodagoda, and Janak de Silva. Sirisena was also present in court during the proceedings.

President’s Counsel Faizer Musthapha, appearing on behalf of the former President, informed the court that the full compensation amount had been paid as directed.
Following the confirmation of payment, the Supreme Court bench ordered that Maithripala Sirisena be released from further proceedings related to the case.

(Previous news 2025 April 29 – 10.27.a.m.)

Maithripala appears before SC

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has appeared before the Supreme Court today (April 29).

He has appeared in court for a hearing related to a Fundamental Rights petition on the pardon and release of the individual convicted and sentenced to death in the Royal Park murder case.

Sirisena’s appearance follows an earlier order issued by the Supreme Court, requiring his presence in connection with the matter.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to begin a three-day official visit to Vietnam starting May 03, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced.

The Cabinet Spokesman also said that several bilateral trade agreements will be signed during the visit.

All campaign activities for the forthcoming 2025 Local Government (LG) Election are scheduled to end at midnight on 03 May, according to the National Election Commission.

Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake said the period from 03 May until election day will be declared the pre-poll silent period.

He added that the door-to-door distribution of official ballot papers ends today. Those who have not received their ballot papers can collect them from their area’s sub-post office after April 30 by verifying their identity until election day. The Postal Department also issued a similar announcement.

The EC has decided to use the little finger to mark the appropriate symbol during the LG elections this year.

Meanwhile, the distribution of the official election notices given to the Postal Department for distribution is nearly completed.