Buddhist devotees prepare oil lamps during celebrations of the Vesak festival in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 7, 2020. The Vesak festival is one of the holiest festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka as it marks the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Lord Buddha. This year local authorities have urged people to remain indoors and have cancelled all public gatherings to prevent a further spread of COVID-19 and few devotees living near temples went to the temples to offer their prayers. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)
COLOMBO, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Over 250 prisoners were released on a presidential pardon from prisons across Sri Lanka on Thursday in keeping with the religious Vesak festival, local media reported.
A prison spokesperson said a total of 286 male detainees and four female detainees were released under the presidential pardon at a ceremony held at the Welikada Prison in capital Colombo.
The prisoners were held in 30 prisons across the country.
The prison spokesperson said those released were facing minor crimes and also included those who were above 65 years of age but were in jail as they failed to pay their fines.
The Vesak Festival is one of the holiest festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka as it marks the birth, enlightenment and demise of Lord Buddha.
