New Democratic Front presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa has condemned President Maithripala Sirisena's move to release Jude Shramantha Jayamaha, the convict of the famous Royal Park murder, on presidential pardon.

"I condemn the President’s decision to pardon Yvonne’s killer. As someone whose father was murdered, I understand the family’s grief. We cannot be bystanders to violence, especially against women. As President I will never abuse the power of pardon," Premadasa said.

NPP candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake also condemned the decision yesterday, saying it showcased the manner in which power and money could influence the criminal justice process in Sri Lanka.

Jayamaha was convicted for the famous Royal Park murder in 2005. He was sentenced to death for committing the murder of Yvonne Jonsson, a Swedish teenager.

It was revealed in court that the victim's skull was fractured into 64 pieces before committing the murder.