The United Democratic Voice (UDV) expressed uncertainty regarding the legality of Ranjan Ramanayake’s candidacy due to unresolved issues surrounding his civic rights, which were revoked following his prior conviction.

Speaking at a press conference, the UDV’s Colombo district candidate and media spokesperson, Ravi Kumudesh, confirmed that Ramanayake had sent a letter to the President seeking the restoration of his civic rights, a move that would impact his eligibility for Parliament.

Kumudesh explained that although the letter was circulated on social media, there has been no official response from the President. “Ramanayake openly requested the restoration of his civic rights, and while this is a genuine appeal, it remains unresolved,” he said, noting that the lack of response has created uncertainty about Ramanayake’s potential return to Parliament.

Kumudesh clarified that while the UDV’s leadership remains with Ramanayake, questions linger regarding his ability to hold office. “Even if he does not go to Parliament, Ranjan remains the leader of our party, and we follow his guidance,” Kumudesh stated.

He also addressed rumors of potential issues with election laws regarding the matter, dismissing them but acknowledging the complexities posed by Ramanayake’s situation. Kumudesh reiterated the party’s stance, asserting that Ramanayake’s role as leader remains unchallenged despite the ambiguity over his candidacy.

A petition has been filed with the Supreme Court requesting an order to reject the nomination of former MP Ranjan Ramanayake, who is contesting the upcoming general election under the "United Democratic Voice" party from the Gampaha District.

The petition, submitted by Gampaha District independent candidate K.M. Mahinda Senanayake, also seeks a ruling declaring that Ramanayake does not have the right to obtain a parliamentary seat or vote.

The Election Commission, its members, Ranjan Ramanayake, the Gampaha District Returning Officer, and several others have been named as respondents in the case.

President’s Counsel Tirantha Walaliyadde says the pardon granted to former MP Ranjan Ramanayake by President Ranil Wickremesinghe is illegal owing to the fact it is based on at least two known conditions that violate Ramanayake’s fundamental rights as a citizen.

“In his affidavit to the courts, Ramanayake has said he would not make statements critical or derogatory in nature about the courts in the future. This should not have been included in the affidavit. He, himself has curtailed his fundamental rights.” he said.

Walaliyadde also noted that a person's freedom of speech can not be curtailed or taken away through a Presidential pardon. He pointed out that the official document granting the pardon has not been made public, thereby concealing the conditions under which the pardon was granted to Ramanayake.

“No one knows what these conditions are but they must be legal. How can a President grant a pardon while violating a citizen’s fundamental right accorded by the constitution,” he asked. According to him, such a conditional pardon contravenes the constitution of Sri Lanka.

“The conditions that he cannot engage in politics and that he cannot speak about the courts are not legal. Therefore the pardon granted is invalid as well and makes it illegal” he added. Walaliyadde made these comments while attending a television interview recently.

Minister of Justice, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has confirmed that former MP and actor Ranjan Ramanayake will be pardoned by President Ranil Wickremesinghe within the next week. Rajapakshe said all relevant documentation has been handed over to the President.

The Minister also said that he had sent the related reports to the President, recommending that it would be appropriate to grant him a Presidential pardon under the condition that he should submit an affidavit to Court expressing his regret over the statement made by Ranjan Ramanayake regarding the judiciary.

Ramanayake was sentenced to four years of hard labour by the Supreme Court on January 12 last year for the charge of Contempt of Court.

Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says it has been recommended that former MP Ranjan Ramanayake to be released from prison on a special pardon after submitting an official apology to the courts on the comment made by him. 

Rajapakshe pointed out the government believes that the presidential pardon is justified due to the fact that Ranjan Ramanayake has already been incarcerated for a lengthy period, has maintained good behaviour and is able to contribute to society.

The Minister said that to ensure the transparency of the process, the advice of the Attorney General and the report of the Commissioner General of Prisons were obtained and after considering all matters, it was recommended that a conditional pardon is appropriate.