By: Isuru Parakrama
October 11, Colombo (LNW): A government-appointed committee has begun examining the regulations and administrative procedures governing the country’s prison system, with its inaugural meeting taking place at the Presidential Secretariat on Friday (09).
The initiative follows discussions held on October 08 between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of the Maha Sangha from Sri Lanka’s three Buddhist Nikayas. The review is intended to update the existing framework established under the Prisons Ordinance.
The committee is chaired by Prince Senadheera, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. Its members include Piyumanthi Peiris, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration; Wasantha Ariyarathna, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; R.M.G. Senarathna, Commissioner-General of Buddhist Affairs; and A.C. Gajanayake, Prisons Commissioner.
Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara also provided policy direction to guide the committee’s work.
According to the President’s Media Division, the body will assess the regulations and standing orders currently operating under the Prisons Ordinance and identify areas requiring revision. The review forms part of the government’s efforts to ensure that the rules governing prison administration remain appropriate and effective.
