The Sri Lankan government on Friday said it was studying all aspects of the Indian fishermen’s case and that a final decision was yet to be taken. “We are very carefully looking at the case as it involves a court decision. There are legal issues and the process will need some time,” Presidential spokesperson Mohan Samaranayake told The Hindu . “One step in this process is the withdrawal of the court appeal by the Indian High Commission,” he said.
Asked if the message had been communicated to the Indian High Commission or New Delhi, Mr. Samaranayake said: “That, I cannot say.” . “No decision has been taken yet on whether to commute the sentence or grant a full pardon,” he said. New Delhi sources said negotiations were on for an early release. Sources close to the President’s office told The Hindu that it was highly likely that a decision would be made in two days’ time.
