Protesting inmates of Welikada demand a meeting with subject Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The demonstration launched by a group of female inmates atop the roof of the Welikada Prison continued for a second day on Tuesday (Aug 14th). The group of female inmates launched their protest around 8AM on Monday demanding the authorities to expedite their trials. However, an official attached to the prison said the inmates are protesting the transfer of Disna Kariyawasam who was a senior jailer at the Welikada Prison. Footage captured on Monday (August 13) depicted how several protesting inmates were calling out for this particular jailor by her alias 'amma'. This claim was refuted by one of the protestors who reached out to us. The inmate called on Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms to come into the Welikada prison for discussions adding that there are inmates at the prison who have been left waiting for years waiting for their case to be taken up in court. She noted that there are a number of female inmates who have been in the prison for years for the possession of 1 or 2 grams of Heroin. The inmate called on the Minister to take steps to hold their trials and grant them bail. The Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and Prison Reforms W.M.M. Adikari refrained from commenting on the matter to the media. Prison officials continue to refrain expressing views to the media because the ministry has imposed a ban. Minister of Law and Order, Ranjith Madduma Bandara states that they are enacting certain decisions they have taken regarding the prison due to the prevailing tension. While expressing confidence that the prisons minister will be able to handle her activities, Minister Madduma Bandara questioned as to why such a situation is occurring at this point of time, when the Government is stepping up their campaign against drugs.