Prisoner sentenced to 20 years’ could be freed in under 13 years

21 July 2014 03:05 am

A person sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment need only serve a term of 12 years and 9 months in terms of prison law, said prisons  department sources.

They said a person sentenced to one year in jail need only serve eight months and six days if the prison’s records show that his conduct has been good.

Last Friday a sentence of 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment was imposed on the former chairman of the Tangalla PS, Sampath Chandra Pushpa Vidanapathirana and two others who were found guilty of the murder of a British national and the rape of his girlfriend. They could have their jail term reduced to 12 years and nine months if their conduct is good.  

Those with a bad record will have to serve their full term.

Some inmates may have a chance of serving only half their term with prison certificate for good conduct and under the president’s general amnesty, according to the prisons department. (Jayantha Samarakoon)