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Fmr Basnayake Nilame released

16 November 2010 12:30 pm - 142     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The former Basnayake Nilame of the Ratnapura Saman Dewale Anton Tennekoon who was sentenced to life imprisonment over the killing of his mistress was released by the Colombo High Court today after he was pardoned by the President.

The accused was produced before Colombo High Court today from the prison in order to release him.

Anton Tennekoon was accused of killing his mistress Kalyani Gankanda on February 13, 2002 by shooting her. He was thereafter sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court and he appealed against the judgment to the Court of Appeal.

In the intervening period President Mahinda Rajapaksa pardoned him and released him from life imprisonment. (TFT)


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  Comments - 142

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  • Thomas Tuesday, 16 November 2010 12:34 PM

    KILLER is Pardoned, what about our HERO SF

    saas Tuesday, 16 November 2010 12:36 PM

    This is not a good decision, we can see the repercussions.

    Karume Tuesday, 16 November 2010 12:41 PM

    This is guy was serving for something he did not commit. He lost his son I think who commited the real crime. This mans life story is great material for a movie. He was at he pinnacle of the social ladder and had everything with him including the gods in Ratnapura. But the the sucess followed the usual evil and it destroyed his whole family.

    hemantha Tuesday, 16 November 2010 12:42 PM

    Then what SF ?

    DEEN Tuesday, 16 November 2010 12:42 PM

    A BASNAYAKE NILAME HAD A MISTRESS.
    HE SHOT HER DEAD.
    HE WAS JAILED FOR LIFE.
    ULTIMATELY HE WAS PARDONED BY OUR PRESIDENT.
    KILLERS ARE PARDONED.
    KILLERS ARE MADE MINISTERS & VIPs.
    GENERAL WHO SAVED THE COUNTRY IS IN PRISON.
    THIS IS THE LAW OF OUR COUNTRY.

    silva Tuesday, 16 November 2010 12:46 PM

    This act helps more criminals in the country and the law is going to dog. "Suba anagathayak"

    Sanjeeva Tuesday, 16 November 2010 12:48 PM

    Pardon for murderers, rapists, terrorists & thugs but not for war heroes. What a funny country this is...

    Calistus Jayatilleke Tuesday, 16 November 2010 01:01 PM

    Looks like only double-murderesses who happen to be wives of Ministers and those political stooges who kill their mistresses are the only ones who are entitled to presidential pardons and not real heroes who saved the nation from terrorism.

    Yehiya-Doha Tuesday, 16 November 2010 01:03 PM

    Fun law of Srilanka.

    bash Tuesday, 16 November 2010 01:20 PM

    Good news for criminals, under the rajapaksha regime

    sltk2004 Tuesday, 16 November 2010 01:29 PM

    He was sentenced by the courts of the country.

    SC Tuesday, 16 November 2010 01:29 PM

    killers no harm
    saver more harm
    funny country in the planet

    teri amara Tuesday, 16 November 2010 01:31 PM

    DEYYO SAAKKI !!!

    Mynah Bird Tuesday, 16 November 2010 01:52 PM

    whilst heroes languish in jail nilames who kill mistresses are freed by the highest in the land. Aiyo what a state of affaires !

    Aroshi Tuesday, 16 November 2010 02:04 PM

    Very interesting to know about our GREAT President, who is such lovable charactor to pardon a mrderer, but keep the Real Hero in the prison with loads of cases against him. So, do you really believe that there is law in this country, and will you believe in our judiciary, sorry to say this country is being ruled by the thugs and a cursed family, so do not have any hopes of AASIYAWE AASHCHARYAYA.

    SaBa Tuesday, 16 November 2010 02:05 PM

    What a shame??

    Ranjith Tuesday, 16 November 2010 02:13 PM

    look guys, you have to ask for a presidential pardon. If you do not ask and boast instead, you donot get one. If SF asks surely president will pardon him too. But he has such an ego, he will not and so he won't.

    lokkalk Tuesday, 16 November 2010 02:19 PM

    a person how betrayed the country by revealing military secrets is a HERO?

    AA Tuesday, 16 November 2010 02:23 PM

    Very interesting! I suppose this is what the masses asked for.

    Above the crowd Tuesday, 16 November 2010 02:28 PM

    Do you have evidence????

    Above the crowd Tuesday, 16 November 2010 02:29 PM

    You said it right mate!!!

    Oyage sudu kella Tuesday, 16 November 2010 02:30 PM

    This is encouraging others to kill their mistresses. So, gals, be careful. .... Aiyo. aiyo.

    Above the crowd Tuesday, 16 November 2010 02:32 PM

    Wife can kill and burn the mistress too and be pardoned in
    S L.what a country.

    J Dan Tuesday, 16 November 2010 02:37 PM

    The criminals are out, The real patriotic s are in. My be that if SF out will be a treat to MR, And the Busnayaka nilame no problem

    michi Tuesday, 16 November 2010 02:54 PM

    Can he give the life for the woman he killed?

    Above the crowd Tuesday, 16 November 2010 02:55 PM

    Was he got released just because he was a bus captain,then what about the bus conductors?

    Krish Tuesday, 16 November 2010 03:05 PM

    Mates this is just a beginning please cross and your fingers and wait. Banana republic

    Angoda Sene Tuesday, 16 November 2010 03:09 PM

    Killer is freed and a War Hero jailed. What a country we live. Next the killer will be a Minister.

    sam Tuesday, 16 November 2010 03:22 PM

    well said brother

    Above the crowd Tuesday, 16 November 2010 03:42 PM

    Don't care if he is a bus captain or a three wheeler captain,he is out now.

    Game Kolla Tuesday, 16 November 2010 03:44 PM

    Do not worry...this country is heading for Dharma Rajya.with the support of Hela Urumaya.. SAADU...SAADU..SAADU.

    Anver Tuesday, 16 November 2010 03:48 PM

    Killing is OK in this country, if its blessed by the state.

    sads Tuesday, 16 November 2010 03:50 PM

    this is one worst country . we are lining in jungle with jungle law

    rosh Tuesday, 16 November 2010 03:51 PM

    This was rare truth. Thanks for posting it

    raj Tuesday, 16 November 2010 04:00 PM

    sri lanka is a good country where someone judge sentence for their crime, and president overrule the sentence. does it means there many convicted are pardon and innocent are in the prison cell.

    MagodisThuma Tuesday, 16 November 2010 04:06 PM

    MR is The Law !.

    sirisena Tuesday, 16 November 2010 04:10 PM

    Well versed Deen, God save Sri Lanka

    winnie Tuesday, 16 November 2010 04:18 PM

    He is a Nilame, Party man, Party funder, what else you want to get pardoned, SF is not that, He opposed MR. anti party, not a party funder. Need any more reasons.can give.

    Minister Tuesday, 16 November 2010 04:27 PM

    One can see what has happened to the law of this country. Pathetic!

    RKR Tuesday, 16 November 2010 04:36 PM

    Innocent or not, it is for the judiciary to sort out. Isn’t the whole thing about the president's inability to parden SF was "THE NEED TO ABIDE BY THE LAW AND ORDER IN THE COUNTRY" as many of the ministers sang day and night and still do? WHERE IS THAT STANDARD with respect to this case? "Watath Niyarath Goyam kaa-nang!"

    pusa Tuesday, 16 November 2010 04:42 PM

    4/83 = 0.5%

    sangaralingham Tuesday, 16 November 2010 04:51 PM

    how can this be true. iam ignorant so my comment no use to any one

    shiran Tuesday, 16 November 2010 04:58 PM

    Mmmm, we are in the way to be the mirracle of Asia, ohs, not that, mirracle of the World

    Dee Tuesday, 16 November 2010 05:00 PM

    And thats another SIX, well over the boundry....... way to go. sri lanka. way to go...............

    TP Tuesday, 16 November 2010 05:18 PM

    Have you heard of the Monkey who was given a razor blade?

    Rahumathullah Tuesday, 16 November 2010 05:19 PM

    A murderer has been pardoned and innocents have been imprisoned and persecuted. Where are we heading for?

    demon Tuesday, 16 November 2010 05:25 PM

    acting king...yeah bandu is right,,,,students should listen to his speeches....

    Mahashi Tuesday, 16 November 2010 05:35 PM

    DEEN, Well said. Thank you!

    FRANCIS Tuesday, 16 November 2010 06:17 PM

    all murders and drug dealers will be pardon and keep Genial in jail.this make sri lanka legal system as a jock to the world.as usual .

    Sarath Tuesday, 16 November 2010 06:36 PM

    So the son kills a woman and the father is put in prison? Do you think we live in the times of old kings?

    Oops.... don't answer that question!!!

    Sharma Tuesday, 16 November 2010 06:47 PM

    And we still call this land a paradise!

    Assay Bayai! Tuesday, 16 November 2010 07:25 PM

    it is advisable to be quiet if you do not know the Law!

    Assay Bayai! Tuesday, 16 November 2010 07:26 PM

    did they ask for it???? or was it placed on them by....

    Assay Bayai! Tuesday, 16 November 2010 07:34 PM

    they once called it Land like no Other! which is more appropriate for modern Days!

    Sunil deSilva Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:03 PM

    Can you become an MP and a army man at the same time?

    Can one become an MP while in uniform?

    Therefore, Army act does not consider as (any court) under the constitution of SL.

    Sunil deSilva Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:04 PM

    Cast is a reason to be pardon. MR

    jayasiri Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:06 PM

    Exactly the jungle law

    show man Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:10 PM

    Can we headge our parliment and president to any other country in the world?

    Correcting SL is more difficult than replacing with new generation

    callistus Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:12 PM

    Doesn't make sense. 'we are lining in jungle'

    callistus Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:13 PM

    Yes because he was wise enough to ask for pardon.

    callistus Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:16 PM

    You are one of the few who has brains my friend.

    ajithe Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:16 PM

    woman was killed by nilame haros kills natoin

    callistus Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:18 PM

    Sarath Fonseka is a traitor not a hero at all. Also he is a fool.

    ajithe Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:20 PM

    a woman was killed by nilame hero killes nation

    callistus Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:21 PM

    what do you mean by 'how can this be true'.

    derek Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:23 PM

    What military secrets?

    callistus Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:29 PM

    And was pardoned by the president, because he was wise enough to ask for pardon, unlike the fool SF.

    purohitha Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:44 PM

    How come a man with a name like ANTON bcame a basnyaka nilmae in a Saman Dewalaya ! What would the God tell him, What is this world coming to ?

    ajithe Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:45 PM

    GOD BLESSED PIRIBAKARAN

    Nath Tuesday, 16 November 2010 08:50 PM

    If Karuna can kill 600 policemen and enjoy the perks of party membership and ministerial portfolio, more act of this kind should be expected. I don't really blame MR for this. We have to blame ourselves for giving him the power.

    sena Tuesday, 16 November 2010 09:22 PM

    No one in the opposition in parliament will raise this (except may be a JVP) as both parties have done this (for e.g. Ranil and JR pardoned Sunil who was in jail for raping a child). Two parties are lie two side of the same coin and they are taking the clueless public for a ride.

    Suganth Tuesday, 16 November 2010 10:03 PM

    Compared to Karuna, KP, Pillayan who must have been hanged to death for their crimes, at least this guy spent 8 yrs in jail.

    Saradiel Tuesday, 16 November 2010 10:29 PM

    like Lasantha, Prageeth and others. Prageeth's life or death situation is yet to be established. But, the only intelligent conclusion that can be derived is that he is no more.

    Kalani Raja Tuesday, 16 November 2010 11:25 PM

    The wonder of Asia..Aasiyawe Aishcharya!!

    parippuwa Tuesday, 16 November 2010 11:45 PM

    Comment of the day mate! Well said indeed!

    HIDEOUT Wednesday, 17 November 2010 12:13 AM

    Guys don't forget Mervin Silva still out there.

    Sumal Wednesday, 17 November 2010 12:20 AM

    He has not pardoned by the victim or God.

    T.J.Miskin Wednesday, 17 November 2010 12:34 AM

    President is compassionate Like lord Buddha..

    Smart Aleck Wednesday, 17 November 2010 12:40 AM

    One asks for a pardon only if he or she has done wrong. It is MR who should ask for a pardon.

    Smart Aleck Wednesday, 17 November 2010 12:52 AM

    Yes! Deen. If you are a Murderer, Drug Baron or Thug, you are on the Correct Side.

    Kalani Raja Wednesday, 17 November 2010 12:56 AM

    Mahinda Chintanaye Idiri Dakma?

    Thomas Wednesday, 17 November 2010 01:29 AM

    DEEN, This country has turned out to be the " WILD WEST" of the East

    The Judge Wednesday, 17 November 2010 01:31 AM

    Why have courts of Law, if there is some one to Over Rule Judgements,?????????????????

    lincoln perera Wednesday, 17 November 2010 01:54 AM

    should we lauge or cry????

    Tintin Wednesday, 17 November 2010 02:01 AM

    What a high priority of affairs for the president! Shows the color of events we could await in the future...

    Saradial Wednesday, 17 November 2010 02:39 AM

    Who betrayed the country? The people with KP and Killer Karuna are betraying the country now.

    Knight Rider Wednesday, 17 November 2010 03:08 AM

    What a Joke ! no wonder the law & justice has become a comedy for crime industry.

    upul Wednesday, 17 November 2010 03:10 AM

    This is Sri Lanka the so called Paradise!!!

    Dinesh Wednesday, 17 November 2010 03:13 AM

    What special in this guy. I heard MR was telling law is equal to all and no one is special. If so all the other prisoners all so should be released on same terms.

    sltk2004 Wednesday, 17 November 2010 03:20 AM

    If all the prisoners ask for pardons will the president grant them? I mean, most of them are in prison for lesser crimes (not for murder like this guy)

    Magna Wednesday, 17 November 2010 03:21 AM

    lokkalk, You meanm in other words that white flag story is true?

    nishan Wednesday, 17 November 2010 03:29 AM

    "KUMATA ERATA ADIKARANAYA..NEETHIYA SAHA VINISURAN..." "Pawana" By Nanda Malini..Lyrics By Prof. Sunil Ariyarathne....This is real Wonder of Asia.

    Magodis Wednesday, 17 November 2010 03:50 AM

    Ask pardon for what Ranjith?? Are you off you head?

    Miles Wednesday, 17 November 2010 04:35 AM

    The President knows best. He will be having good information to do this gentlemen. So please do not come to preconceived conclusions.

    w.g.l Wednesday, 17 November 2010 04:36 AM

    can we expect any thin more than this in this country please have have Marcie on this country

    Nihal Amarasekera Wednesday, 17 November 2010 04:48 AM

    O Tempora! O Mores! Thanks Cicero.

    w.g.l Wednesday, 17 November 2010 04:58 AM

    you can get the pardon for money or any thin but there is a GOD above you have to face him one day my dear then the real judgment

    Api Walata! Wednesday, 17 November 2010 05:06 AM

    ur correct he was foolish enough to save us ungrateful Sri Lankans from terrorists!

    Game Kolla Wednesday, 17 November 2010 05:10 AM

    sanjeewa you and I born in a wrong country? or those supporters of crminals in a wrong country?

    Api Walata! Wednesday, 17 November 2010 05:23 AM

    two wrongs do not make a right!

    Api Walata! Wednesday, 17 November 2010 05:28 AM

    I thought all evidence is submitted to court and they have to be convinced beyond any reasonable doubt???? according to your argument we cannot rely in courts anymore!

    Dheen Wednesday, 17 November 2010 05:37 AM

    If a politician interferes with the Judiciary that is definitely going to be the downfall. We have witnessed this in many countries.

    anil Wednesday, 17 November 2010 05:51 AM

    releasing a murderer is a crime it self.

    Cynic Wednesday, 17 November 2010 05:56 AM

    The real Mahinda Chintanaya is beginning to show.

    Pundit Wednesday, 17 November 2010 05:59 AM

    Absurd. Bring constitutional amendment debarring President from giving pardon to criminals. It's a shaame.

    willows Wednesday, 17 November 2010 06:11 AM

    it is not worth even to comment, what a pathetic action????

    K.PARAMANATHAN Wednesday, 17 November 2010 06:21 AM

    What JR said is correct. Only thing the President cant do is to make a man a woman, all other acts are possible. Under this constitution Sky is the limit.

    siri Wednesday, 17 November 2010 06:42 AM

    Ranjith - Lions, however much hungry they are, will not eat grass. On the other hand, why should SF asks for pardon from someone who is in that position through fraud? when SF has done nothing wrong?

    Premakumar Wednesday, 17 November 2010 07:11 AM

    Oh ! Great. I saw this old person as an inmate in Prisons Hospital some time back and I am releived that he is released. Let us be a merciful nation and that is what we need at this hour.

    Kasun Wednesday, 17 November 2010 07:19 AM

    Ane Sadu... Ohoma thamai Sanwedi Nayakayo unama ... horu, minee maruwo kiyala naa.. dukedi hadawatha unu wenawa... Who tell SF is a hero? He's a traitor. Only the people who comment in this web site are HEROES... Don't forget that these people who comment here against SF were in the front line of the war .. where was SF that time ? he was scared and hiding in SInharaja ... So Well said people..

    Api Walata! Wednesday, 17 November 2010 07:45 AM

    Kasun what were you doing my man in Sinharaja?

    TDDC Wednesday, 17 November 2010 07:54 AM

    What about other convicted murders like who kill a judge that Pottu Navas?? shall we clear them all?? All convicted murderers?? why only one??? It is nor fare.

    fxt Wednesday, 17 November 2010 08:07 AM

    You forgot Mervyn Silva. He can get away with anything......

    fxt Wednesday, 17 November 2010 08:11 AM

    Since the President appoints the Judges, he can certainly overrule them. Otherwise, why the 18th Amendment?

    J Chandrasiri Wednesday, 17 November 2010 09:00 AM

    I am surprised to hear this news as a forensic investigator involved in this homicide investigation many years ago. Every single cent of tax payers money spent on this case and time and energy of various professionals gone in vain finally. One of the best court decision in recent times in Sri Lanka was overturned. Only people who involved in investigations of this case know the life risks that they have been exposed to. Well done Sri Lanka ! you have shown again that our legal system is just a mockery and nothing more than a Kekkille court. My deepest sympathies to whole hearted forensic investigators and legal professionals in the country. You may have to leave the country for your survival !!

    Dhammika Wednesday, 17 November 2010 09:31 AM

    You can get away with murder if you are on the right side. Heroes are not pardoned in this Banana Republic

    Dr. Moda Silva Wednesday, 17 November 2010 09:43 AM

    I am watching all above comments. Be careful!

    suwantha Wednesday, 17 November 2010 09:49 AM

    this government has the majority in parliament to prevent president taking such decisions.

    Siri Wednesday, 17 November 2010 09:59 AM

    First Nilame with a Portuguese name?

    Smart Aleck Wednesday, 17 November 2010 10:14 AM

    With his High Connections he will now want to be Diyawadana Nilame.

    Smart Aleck Wednesday, 17 November 2010 10:38 AM

    Yes, Judge! Now Ministers are even overruling Court Orders and stopping search warrants being executed.

    suwantha Wednesday, 17 November 2010 10:40 AM

    this man will ruin the country.

    LANKAN Wednesday, 17 November 2010 10:58 AM

    The basnayaka nilame-an ideal person to contest the next general election from government list.

    Benadict Wednesday, 17 November 2010 11:39 AM

    WHAT A PRESIDENT !

    Bakamoona Wednesday, 17 November 2010 11:44 AM

    Shows that you have been making pappa for our politikkas during last election. ha ha.

    prakash Wednesday, 17 November 2010 12:31 PM

    Thst's right release all the murderers serving life sentences they are no threat to you.Keep only the political prisoners in jail.

    impartial Wednesday, 17 November 2010 12:38 PM

    You mean you have no trust judiciary in Sri Lanka?

    Thomas Wednesday, 17 November 2010 01:58 PM

    Sorry. You are right.

    Krish Wednesday, 17 November 2010 02:03 PM

    Oh sorry, I said Banana Republic, didnt I. sorry.

    Indi Wednesday, 17 November 2010 04:54 PM

    Just imagined this was done by a UNP government and ask your self what would be your comments here.

    Disgusted Friday, 19 November 2010 03:53 PM

    Shame on you Mr president for pardoning a killer

    Disgusted Friday, 19 November 2010 03:54 PM

    I will never vote again for SLSP as long as they keep Marwin.


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