Probe underway into possible conspiracy behind Negombo Prison clash – Dy Minister

Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, has stated that investigations are currently underway to determine whether there was a conspiracy behind the fatal clash that recently occurred at the Negombo Prison.The Deputy Minister made these remarks while speaking during a discussion held in the Kandy District.He said that it had been decided to temporarily establish a new prison at the Old Bogambara Prison premises in Kandy and also to convert the old Mahamodara Hospital in Galle into a prison, only for a few months as an immediate measure.The Deputy Minister further stated that both facilities would be closed once the government introduces solutions to address the issue of overcrowding in the prisons.“Investigations are currently underway to determine whether there was a conspiracy behind the clash at the Negombo Prison. We can make a definite statement only based on the progress of those investigations,” he said.The Deputy Minister noted that prison overcrowding has been a longstanding issue, creating several challenges within the country’s prison system. He attributed the increase in prison congestion to factors including unnecessary delays in court proceedings, non-receipt of investigation reports and the rising number of drug-related arrests.He reiterated that the government does not intend to operate the old Mahamodara Hospital in Galle and Bogambara Prison premises as permanent prisons, adding that separate plans are in place to address the issue.Meanwhile, the relevant Gazette notification to establish a new prison at the Old Bogambara Prison premises was issued by Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara on July 8.The Gazette notification to establish a new prison at the Mahamodara Hospital premises in Galle was also issued on July 7.