Sri Lanka, Oct. 7 -- Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to consider granting a presidential pardon to Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera during a parliamentary address after being brought from remand custody.

Rajapaksa questioned why the government sought clemency from Saudi Arabia for Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan while failing to take similar action for Gnanasara Thera.

The Opposition MP stated that the President should set an example through local actions if asking another country leader for a pardon.

President Dissanayake announced that the government will make a formal diplomatic appeal to the King of Saudi Arabia seeking clemency for Anojan alongside...