President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has informed Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa that former MP Ranjan Ramanayake should request a presidential pardon in writing for the President to consider such a request.

This has been conveyed to the Opposition Leader during a telephone conversation between him and the President over securing presidential pardon for the former MP.

Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the discussion was cordial and the President would consider granting presidential pardon for Ramanayake following a written request as required by the due process.

Premadasa has reportedly briefed the parliamentary group members of the party on the outcome of the discussion with the President.

It is still not clear if Ramanayake will request a presidential pardon in writing. Premadasa, however, has told the President that he will discuss the matter with the former President.