'Unseen force responsible for Mahara Prison Riots'; State Minister

by Zulfick Farzan 30-11-2020 | 3:35 PM

Colombo (News 1st); The Government is responsible for the protection of the prisoners held by the state, said MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Parliament on Monday (30), in his comments on the Mahara Prison Riots.

The prisoners requested to be subject to PCR tests and be moved to treatment if they tested positive or to be moved to the quarantine, said the opposition MP.

He said the riots were the ultimate result of their requests being turned down.

It is very much unsuitable for a country that is democratic and upholds human rights, to have prisoners in its custody to be gunned down in Prisons, he said.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa called on the Government to appoint an independent committee to investigate how a COVID-19 cluster was formed within prisons.

State Minister of Prison Reforms & Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle said an escape was planned by the prisoners and Prison Officers managed to foil the attempt by using force.

However, individuals who were placed in remand for drug offenses, and those who were incarcerated were involved in a scuffle that turned violent.

She was firm in telling Parliament a certain force was responsible for the riots and it must be investigated adding a committee led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Prisons was appointed for this purpose.

The Criminal Investigations Department will be asked to conduct a separate investigation, said the State Minister.