The appointment of a permanent Commissioner General of Prisons has been delayed due to an ongoing investigation into the former officeholder, according to the Cabinet Spokesperson.

The vacant position of Commissioner General of Prisons remains unfilled as authorities investigate allegations against the previous holder of the office, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced at a weekly media briefing. A permanent appointment cannot proceed until the inquiry concludes, the Minister explained.

In the interim, an acting officer has assumed responsibility for overseeing the duties associated with the post. This temporary arrangement allows the prison service to continue functioning while the investigation runs its course, according to Minister Jayatissa.

The future staffing decision will hinge on the investigation's findings. If the former Commissioner General is exonerated, authorities may move to reinstate him to his original position. Conversely, should he be found culpable of the charges under review, the government would proceed with recruiting and appointing a new permanent Commissioner General, the Minister indicated.

Minister Jayatissa did not disclose specific details about the nature of the allegations or the expected timeline for concluding the investigation. The inquiry's resolution will effectively determine whether the former official returns to his post or whether a successor must be identified to lead the prisons administration going forward.