Former Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka was released from the prison, after being granted a Presidential pardon.

The Supreme Court on May 21 allowed the withdrawal of two pending appeals by Sarath Fonseka’s counsel. Court has granted approval for the withdrawal of the appeal on the ‘white flag’ case and the special appeal challenging the verdict of the second Court Martial.

The attorneys appearing on behalf of the former army chief had stated that the President has pardoned the petitioner, according to provisions of the constitution and that therefore he does not wish to continue with the petitions.

He was taken from the Supreme Court to the Welikada Prison where he was thereafter released while a large crowd had gathered outside the prison to greet the former Army Commander.