A total of 550 inmates in various prisons from across the country had been released this morning under the Presidential pardon to commemorate the UN Vesak Day celebrations, Department of Prisons said.

Speaking to Daily Mirror Prisons Department Commissioner said the prisoners who were not convicted in serious crimes had been released under the programme.

The inmates had been selected after a proposal made by the Prison Reforms Minister D M Swaminathan to the Justice Ministry following a list prepared by the Prisons Department.

According to the Prisons Department the inmates had been selected under four categories depending on their offence, age and conduct. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)