The Commissioner General of Prisons has stated that no prior intelligence was received regarding the recent unrest at Negombo Prison, adding that officers had been deployed to prevent inmate disturbances and managed to reduce the scale of damage.

Speaking at the post- Cabinet media briefing today (07), he explained that by Sunday evening (05) the situation had been contained, inmates returned to their cells, and food provided. 

However, on the following morning (06), a court day, inmates were found to have consumed drugs, leading to intoxication and clashes. 

He noted that officers risked their lives to control the situation, despite inmates being in a deranged state due to drug use, with even female inmates affected.

Also addressing the media briefing, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed that several investigations are already underway into the incident. 

He said a three‑member committee comprising a retired Supreme Court judge, an officer from the Attorney General’s Department, and a senior lawyer has been appointed. 

In addition, probes are being conducted separately by Negombo Police, the Colombo Crime Investigation Division, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the Prisons Department itself.

“The full truth of the incident will be revealed once all reports are submitted,” the Minister said, underscoring the government’s commitment to accountability in the aftermath of the violence. (Newswire)

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Prisons Commissioner Jagath Weerasinghe says 230,980 school students from the Colombo District in the Western Province were found to be addicted to drugs.

Jagath Weerasinghe said, however, the Southern Province boasts a higher number, and is the area pushing the country towards this situation. 

The Prisons Commissioner further said that the South takes the number one position for underworld activities. 

“A high number of children are in prison at present. There are 42 children below the age of 05 due to the wrongdoings of their mothers. The child is allowed to stay with the mother until the age of 05. After that, we separate the mother and child, which is one of the saddest situations,” he said. 

Prisons Commissioner Jagath Weerasinghe made the remarks while addressing the Godapitiya National School in Akuressa, during the programme to create awareness among students on the eradication of drugs. (Newswire)

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The government has decided to send Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya on compulsory leave.

It is reported that the decision was taken during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, Chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today. 

The decision has been taken based on an investigation into the allegation that a prisoner was released illegally under a Presidential pardon. (Newswire)

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