UNP led New Democratic Front (NDF) presidential aspirant Sajith Premadasa has ridiculed President Maithripala Sirisena granting presidential pardon to Yvonne's killer as a despicable act.

He made the criticism in a twitter post. He said:

"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.”