Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says all arrangements have been made to complete 9,000 delayed forensic reports within this month and submit them to court.
He made the statement during an inspection tour of the Pallansena Prison, where he also held discussions with inmates on prevailing issues.
The Minister noted that similar visits will be carried out at other prisons across the island to review conditions and address concerns.
Wijepala said discussions focused on ensuring the safety of inmates across Sri Lanka’s 33 prisons, as well as safeguarding prison officers.
He revealed that a new emergency response committee is being established at Pallansena, comprising District and Divisional Secretaries, Fire Brigade officers, Tri‑forces, STF, Deputy Inspector General of Police, and the Commissioner General of Prisons.
“The main objective is to protect the lives of inmates,” he stressed, acknowledging the severe overcrowding in prisons.
He added that the Minister of Justice has already prepared a special plan to reduce inmate numbers. (Newswire)