Joint Mechanism to Address Issues Faced by Prison Inmates

A special discussion on the prevailing conditions in prisons and measures taken to ensure the safety and security of inmates was held at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The meeting held an extensive discussion on further measures required to ensure the safety and security of inmates at all 33 prisons across the country.

It was also decided to establish a joint mechanism to identify and address issues faced by inmates, oversee their welfare and determine appropriate measures to be taken in the event of an emergency.

Accordingly, a joint mechanism comprising prison officials, the Police, the Special Task Force, and, where necessary, the Tri-Forces and other relevant stakeholders will be established next week to cover all 33 prisons.

The mechanism will also engage directly with prison inmates to further understand and address their concerns.

Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the Ministry of Defense Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration Ayesha Jinasena, Inspector General of Police Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya and senior officials from the Department of Prisons and intelligence agencies were also present at the discussion.