July 09, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Prisons has begun relocating female inmates from Negombo Prison to other correctional facilities as part of an ongoing effort to ease pressure on the institution following recent disturbances.
Officials confirmed that a group of women prisoners, including several foreign nationals, was transferred on Wednesday (08) to Wariyapola Prison and Bogambara Prison.
Prisons Media Spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake said the decision follows the protest staged by a number of female inmates at Negombo Prison earlier this week. With the demonstration now concluded, prison authorities have commenced a phased transfer programme aimed at restoring normal operations while maintaining order within the facility.
The Department also revealed that arrangements are progressing to relocate male inmates from Negombo Prison. Officials said each transfer is being carried out only after assessing the accommodation and operational capacity available at receiving prisons to ensure the process is managed safely and efficiently.
Despite the ongoing transfers, around 1,000 inmates are still believed to be housed at Negombo Prison, with further relocations expected in the coming days.
In a separate development, police have launched investigations into the deaths of three prisoners at Agunukolapelessa, Boossa and Welikada prisons.
According to the Police Media Division, the inquiries are being handled by the police stations with jurisdiction over the respective prison locations. Two of the deceased inmates had recently been transferred from Negombo Prison to Agunukolapelessa and Boossa prisons before being admitted to hospital after experiencing sudden medical complications, where they later died.
The third incident involved an inmate at Welikada Prison who is reported to have taken his own life. Police said investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding all three deaths, with the relevant authorities having already been notified.