The United National Party (UNP) has written to prison officials requesting security for its Senior Vice Chairman, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, who is currently being held at Magazine Prison.
In a letter addressed to the Acting Commissioner General of Prisons, UNP General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale said the former minister, who has been remanded until Aug. 18, 2026, faces a threat to his safety following the recent unrest at the prison.
Atukorale said it is the responsibility of the prison authorities to ensure Kariyawasam’s security while he remains in custody.
The UNP has also requested an urgent meeting between party Chairman Wajira Abeywardana and prison authorities to discuss the matter.
The request comes after unrest at Magazine Prison on Thursday night, during which one inmate was killed.
Former minister Kariyawasam has been arrested on corruption charges of causing financial losses to the state during his tenure as Senior Presidential Adviser. (Newswire)