The Committee investigating the unrest that broke out at the Mahara Prison in its Final Report has recommended the reduction of prison ovecrowding, the biggest problem facing the country's prison system.
The Committee led by former High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena today handed over its 61- page Final Report to Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC.
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Mahara Prison riot: Final report handed over to Justice Minister
The Committee investigating the unrest that broke out at the Mahara Prison in its Final Report has recommended the reduction of prison ovecrowding, the biggest problem facing the country’s prison system.
The Committee led by former High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena today handed over its 61- page Final Report to Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC.
Committee Member and Legal Adviser to the Justice Minister U.R. de Silva PC told the Daily News that the committee has also recommended to upgrade the facilities in prison (welfare aspect) with immediate effect.
President’s Counsel U.R.de Silva said the committee had recorded evidence from 40 individuals and perused 32 documents prior to submit its final report.
He said the committee members had visited Mahara Prison and recorded statements from 13 inmates as a part of investigation. He said the Committee also recorded statements from 22 prison officials and a Deputy Commissioner in charge of Prison Rehabilitation.
‘The Justice Minister assured that the Government will take necessary action in accordance with the recommendation after presenting this report before Cabinet,’ Silva said.
In its Interim Report, on December 7, the committee had recommended the release of drug addicted inmates on bail through motions filed in Courts by prison officials as an urgent matter.
The interim report had also recommended the inmates to be released after referring them for PCR tests.
The report has recommended to upgrade the facilities in Prisons since this unrest has reportedly broke out demanding necessary arrangements following the spread of COVID-19. The Justice Minister appointed the five-member committee comprising former High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena, President’s Counsel U.R. De Silva, Justice Ministry Additional Secretary Rohana Pahugaswatte, Rtd.
Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police D.R.L. Ranaweera, and former Prisons Commissioner Gamini Jayasinghe to investigate the unrest at the Mahara Prison. Prison Reforms State Ministry Additional Secretary Nishan Dhanasinghe is the Committee Secretary.
