Individuals sentenced to more than three years’ imprisonment are required to be produced before court wearing the prison uniform issued by the Department of Prisons, the Prison Media Spokesperson Commissioner of Prisons Senaka Palletenna said.

Prison Media Spokesperson Palletenna made the clarification in response to various opinions circulating on social media regarding the clothing worn by individuals serving prison sentences.

He said that, under prison regulations, a Buddhist monk sentenced to a term of simple imprisonment may continue to wear his robes while serving the sentence in prison.

However, individuals sentenced to rigorous imprisonment are required to wear prison clothing, regardless of their status, he said.

The spokesperson further explained that when a convicted person serving a sentence of less than three years is produced before court, the prison superintendent may grant permission for the individual to wear the civilian clothing worn prior to the commencement of the sentence.

In the case of a Buddhist monk, permission may similarly be granted to appear before court wearing his robes.

However, any individual sentenced to more than three years’ imprisonment must be produced before court wearing clothing issued by the Department of Prisons, irrespective of the individual’s status or position, Palletenna said.

He also stated that more than 63 religious figures are currently serving prison sentences at correctional institutions across the country. These individuals, too, are required to wear prison uniforms while serving their sentences, he added.