A programme to establish a joint mechanism among state institutions, with regional coordination to respond to emergencies within prisons, has been launched focusing on the Vavuniya and Jaffna prisons.
The initiative was launched under the leadership of Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara.
The main objectives of the programme are to strengthen coordination at the regional level to ensure a swift response to emergencies arising within prisons and to streamline the welfare activities of inmates.
Plans are underway to establish this joint mechanism covering all prisons across the country. The Minister also briefed relevant government officials on the programme.
Following the programme, the Minister conducted an inspection visit to the Vavuniya and Jaffna prisons and looked into the needs of inmates.
During the inspection, special attention was given to the women’s sections, areas where remand suspects are held, and the kitchen at Jaffna Prison.
The Minister also met with inmates and stated that steps would be taken to address issues arising from delays in obtaining Government Analyst’s reports, with appropriate solutions to be introduced within the next three months.
