On Monday, over 500 prisoners were released from prison under presidential pardon across Sri Lanka to mark the 71st anniversary celebrations of the country's National Day.
Prison Department Commissioner H.M.T.N. Upuldeniya said that 545 prisoners who served jail terms for minor offences were released during the detention period under the pardon based on their behavior.
Prisoners held in several prisons including Anuradhapura in the North Central Province, Kandy in the Central Hills and Colombo were released under the pardon, he added.
Sri Lanka celebrated its 71st National Day anniversary on Monday by holding a grand parade in the capital with the participation of hundreds of military troops.