Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, made these remarks during a discussion held with prison officers regarding the issues they are facing, following the establishment of an integrated mechanism centred around the Dumbara Bogambara Prison and the Pallekele Open Prison. (17.09.2026)
Speaking at the discussion on the issues faced by officers of the Dumbara Prison, the Minister of Justice stated,
“Necessary steps have been taken to provide compensation to the families of the prison officers who lost their lives in the clash that occurred at the Negombo Prison. Requests regarding an increase in the salaries and allowances of prison officers have been received through the Commissioner-General of Prisons. Salaries and allowances should be increased in recognition of the excellent service you provide. I have discussed with the President the possibility of providing an allowance to prison officers through the forthcoming Budget.
There is a significant number of vacancies within the Department of Prisons. The service rendered by prison officers cannot be assessed in monetary terms.
All necessary measures have been taken to reduce prison overcrowding. A programme has been prepared to ensure that, by January 31 next year, remand prisoners will not remain in custody for more than three months due to delays in obtaining Government Analyst reports.
While consideration is given to those addicted to drugs, there will be no leniency whatsoever towards those who sell drugs. We have the capacity to stop the supply of drugs. However, social support is necessary to stop the demand for drugs.
You may have economic difficulties, but you should not engage in anti-social activities. There may also be officers within the prison service who engage in anti-social activities in expectation of certain benefits. No one should destroy another person’s life in return for any personal benefit,” the Minister stated.
The discussion also focused on matters including the difficulties faced by officers when transporting inmates to court proceedings, as well as the welfare-related concerns of both inmates and prison officers.
The Minister also inspected the conditions prevailing at the prison and held discussions with inmates regarding the issues they face.
Steps have been taken to establish integrated mechanisms centred around all prisons, with the aim of enabling an immediate response in the event of a conflict within a prison and streamlining the welfare activities of inmates.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Kandy and Matale Districts Sudath Marasinghe, Brigadier K. S. P. Poththapitiya, Additional District Secretary of Kandy Lalith Ampawala, Menikhinna Divisional Secretary Kaushalya Dissanayake, Superintendent of Dumbara Bogambara Prison L. P. Warnakulasuriya, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons H. M. D. Herath, and Assistant Superintendent of Pallekele Prison Mangala Welipitiya, along with officers representing the Department of Prisons, Police, Navy, Air Force, National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Fire Brigade and other state institutions, were present at the establishment of the integrated mechanism.
