The government plans to establish a coordinated mechanism across all prisons in Sri Lanka to identify potential problems early and improve responses to emergencies, Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said.
The mechanism will bring together state agencies to coordinate emergency responses and improve the welfare of inmates, the minister said during a meeting at the Kalutara Prison on Wednesday.
Nanayakkara said committees comprising local government officials would meet at least once a month to discuss existing concerns and decide on further action.
“The establishment of this mechanism will enable problems arising within prisons to be identified early,” he said.
The minister said the initiative would also focus on protecting the rights and welfare of inmates, improving facilities and addressing the needs of prison officers. He added that procedures for inmates and their relatives to raise concerns over prison-related matters should be made more systematic.
Nanayakkara also said measures were being taken to expedite Government Analyst reports as part of efforts to reduce prison overcrowding.
Coordinating committees were established Wednesday for the Kalutara, Galle, Boossa and Matara prisons, with the participation of senior officials from regional state agencies.
During his visit to Kalutara Prison, Nanayakkara also inspected construction work on a planned new building and met female inmates to discuss issues they face. (Newswire)