The government is convening an emergency meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to address deteriorating conditions in Sri Lanka's prisons, with authorities emphasizing that the situation does not represent a national security threat.
The Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, announced that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will lead a special discussion on prison conditions this evening, bringing together relevant stakeholders to address the current challenges within the country's correctional facilities.
Speaking in Parliament, Minister Wijepala emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining safety for both incarcerated individuals and prison staff while working to restore order. He stated that while prison-related incidents have occurred, these do not constitute a threat to national security. The administration has already identified both immediate and long-term solutions to systemic problems within prisons.
To coordinate the response, a Cabinet committee has been established under the leadership of the Justice Minister to investigate and recommend reforms. The government plans to announce urgent measures following the presidential discussion, signaling an intention to implement swift interventions alongside comprehensive structural improvements to the prison system.
