Bail Laws for Drug Offences to Be Amended, Justice Minister Says
Minister of Justice and National Integration Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara has announced that Sri Lanka will amend the laws governing bail for suspects arrested in connection with drug-related offences.
The Minister made the announcement while issuing a special statement regarding the recent unrest reported at several prisons across the country.
The proposed legal changes come amid renewed concerns over narcotics, inmate unrest and security inside correctional facilities.
Investigations Underway Into Prison Unrest
Meanwhile, the Department of Prisons has launched investigations into recent incidents at the Magazine Prison, Kuruwita Prison and the Pallansena Open Prison Camp.
Prison Media Spokesperson A.C. Gajanyake said security at the affected institutions has been strengthened following the disturbances.
Personnel from the Sri Lanka Police, Police Special Task Force (STF) and Tri-Forces have been deployed to support prison authorities and maintain security.
11 Injured at Magazine Prison
Following unrest among inmates at the New Magazine Prison on Thursday, 11 inmates were admitted to the prison hospital after sustaining injuries.
Another nine inmates were subsequently transferred to another prison as authorities took steps to restore order and strengthen security.
According to the Prisons Department, the combined death toll from unrest at the New Magazine and Kuruwita prisons and the Negombo Pallansena Open Prison Camp has reached three.
The number of injured in the incidents is reported to be close to 77.
Previous Negombo Prison Clash Left 32 Dead
The latest incidents follow a serious clash at the Negombo Prison on July 5, which resulted in 32 deaths and more than 100 injuries.
The repeated incidents have raised concerns over security, inmate welfare and the management of emergencies within Sri Lanka’s prison system.
Government to Establish Joint Mechanism for Prison Issues
The President’s Media Division said a joint mechanism will be established to address issues faced by inmates and oversee their welfare.
The mechanism will also be tasked with establishing procedures to be followed during emergencies within correctional facilities.
The decision was reached during a discussion held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday evening.
The proposed mechanism is expected to strengthen coordination between relevant authorities while improving the response to emergencies and addressing concerns affecting prisoners.
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