Authorities deem Negombo prison unsuitable

The Ministry of Justice and National Integration states that the prison administration decided the Negombo prison premises remain unsuitable for housing inmates due to the emergency that caused severe damage to the facility, which now serves as a crime scene.

To allow investigators to conduct inquiries securely, ensure the safety of inmates, and facilitate the prompt commencement of renovations once investigations conclude, the Ministry of Justice and National Integration reports that most inmates previously held at the Negombo prison were transferred temporarily to other facilities.

The ministry further indicates that the need arose to shift a portion of inmates to other suitable, temporary locations, considering the prisoner density and welfare requirements of existing prisons.

Consequently, orders were issued to establish the 'Mahamodara' and 'Old Bogambara' premises as prisons for the Prisons Ordinance temporarily until the renovations at the Negombo prison finish.