ONLINE COMMUNICATION WITH RELATIVES FOR REMANDEES

COLOMBO (News 1st): Inmates on remand custody were provided with the necessary facilities to speak to their relatives online, Lohan Ratwatte, the State Minister of Prison Management & Prisoners' Rehabilitation said on Friday (Jan. 22). "This measure was implemented, taking into account the restriction on visitation to prisons, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, inmates on remand custody can communicate with their relatives by using zoom technology," the State Minister noted. According to State Minister Ratwatte, at the time he assumed duties, there were around 30,000 inmates adding it was reduced to 11,000 through discussions held with the Ministry of Justice. "With the use of zoom technology given the COVID-19 pandemic, the court proceedings continued and discussions were held with magistrates to release inmates," State Minister of Prison Management & Prisoners' Rehabilitation Lohan Ratwatte further pointed out.