බන්ධනාගාර තුළ හදිසි තත්වයක් ඇති වුවහොත් මුහුණදීමට සහ රැදවියන්ගේ සුභ සාධනය මුලික කර ගනිමින් දිවයිනේ සියලු බන්ධනාගාර තුළ ඒකාබද්ධ යාන්ත්‍රණයක් පිහිටුවීමේ වැඩපිළිවෙළ යටතේ අගුණකොලපැලැස්ස බන්ධනාගාරය මුලික කරමින් ඒකාබද්ධ යාන්ත්‍රණය පිහිටුවීම අධිකරණ සහ ජාතික ඒකාබද්ධතා අමාත්‍ය, නීතිඥ හර්ෂණ නානායක්කාර මහතාගේ ප්‍රධානත්වයෙන් (19) දින පස්වරුවේ අගුණකොලපැලැස්ස බන්ධනාගාර පරිශ්‍රයේදී සිදු විය.

බන්ධනාගාරයේ අධිකාරිවරයාගේ මුලිකත්වය යටතේ රාජ්‍ය ආයතන නිලධාරීන්ගේ සහභාගිත්වයෙන් මෙම කමිටුව පිහිටුවනු ලැබූ අතර කමිටුව අවම වශයෙන් මාස දෙකකට වරක් හෝ රැස්ව බන්ධනාගාරයේ අවශ්‍යතා සාකච්ඡා කළ යුතු බව අමාත්‍යවරයා අවධාරණය කලේය.

අගුණකොලපැලැස්ස බන්ධනාගාරය තුළ ඒකාබද්ධ කමිටුව පිහිටුවීමේ අවස්ථාවට හම්බන්තොට අතිරේක දිස්ත්‍රික් ලේකම් අංජලා අමාලි, අගුණකොලපැලැස්ස බන්ධනාගාරයේ අධිකාරී එච්. එන්. පී. හෙන්නායක, මාතර සහ හම්බන්තොට භාර නියෝජ්‍ය පොලිස්පති චාමික වික්‍රමසිංහ, රියර් අද්මිරාල් එච්. එන්. එස්. පෙරේරා, ජ්‍යේෂ්ඨ පොලිස් අධිකාරී නිපුණ දෙහිගම, කර්නල් පී. ඩබ්ලිව් කරුණාරත්න, අගුණකොලපැලැස්ස ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම් කෞෂල්‍යා ගලප්පත්ති යන මහත්ම මහත්මීන් මෙම අවස්ථාවට එක්විය.

The Law Applies Equally to Those in Power, Politicians, Public Officials and Ordinary Citizens – Minister of Justice

The law applies equally to those in power, politicians, public officials and ordinary citizens, and this principle must always be remembered, stated Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara.

The Minister made these remarks while participating as the Chief Guest at the passing-out ceremony of officers who successfully completed the 13th Apprentice Second Grade Jailors’ Training Course and the 105th Apprentice Warders’ Training Course, comprising a total of 265 recruits, conducted by the Department of Prisons.

The passing-out ceremony and parade of the apprentice officers were held this morning (19) at the Training Institute Grounds of the Agunakolapelessa Prison. A total of 37 apprentice jailors, 05 female apprentice officers, 197 apprentice warders and 25 female warders passed out at the ceremony.

Following the inspection of the passing-out parade, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara addressed the officers of the Apprentice Jailors’ Course and the 105th Apprentice Warders’ Training Course and stated,

 “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you who are joining the respected public service. I also express my gratitude to the parents who have presented your sons and daughters to the Prison Service. You must remember that it is your responsibility to conduct yourselves in a manner that brings honour and dignity to both yourselves and your families.

Who is a prison officer? Is a prison officer merely someone who walks behind a prisoner, closes and locks a door, and ensures security? No. As a prison officer, you are undertaking a much greater responsibility.

 You are the guardians who stand between the law and humanity. The person standing before you may have violated the law, and the law must be enforced in relation to that person. However, that does not mean that the person ceases to be a human being.

It is also the responsibility of the Prison Service to provide an opportunity for a person who has become socially isolated, taken the wrong path, or made a wrong decision at some point in life to rebuild a better life. That is an opportunity you are entrusted with today.

Only a limited number of people in society are granted the lawful authority to guide individuals towards the right path. Therefore, you should not view your duty merely as ‘guarding’. You should see yourselves as individuals who help guide a human being back towards a better path in life. That is where the true dignity of your profession lies.

There is a fundamental principle that all of us in the public service must remember, the law is equal for everyone. It applies equally to those in power, politicians, public officials and ordinary citizens.

The rule of law does not mean having one law for those who possess power and another law for those who do not. It means that the law is applied equally to everyone. That belief is a fundamental foundation for building public confidence in state institutions.

Therefore, what you need is not political connections or influence. What you need is faith in the law and integrity in carrying out your duties. The uniform you assume today is a symbol of that responsibility.

There is another important principle we must remember. When a crime is committed, the law must be enforced. That is essential. However, a society’s problem of crime cannot be solved through punishment alone. Prison policy must go beyond punishment and encompass correction, rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

A person may end up in prison not merely because of an individual wrongdoing, but also as a result of shortcomings that have existed within the socio-economic system over a long period. We cannot make prisons places of reform without addressing the broader issues within society.

Instead of allowing a person leaving prison to return to circumstances that lead them back into crime, it is important to provide them with the skills and opportunities necessary to rebuild their lives.

Provisions have already been made for vocational training programmes through which inmates can obtain NVQ qualifications. We have also begun working with the private sector to provide employment opportunities and create opportunities for inmates to establish their own sources of income.

Various programmes are also being implemented to identify and develop the hidden talents of inmates.

One of the challenges before us is prison overcrowding. Overcrowding is not merely a problem confined to the four walls of a prison. It affects the human dignity of inmates, their health, the safety of prison officers and the quality of prison operations.

Therefore, there is no single solution to this problem. We have to address it simultaneously from multiple perspectives. Accordingly, the powers of pardon vested in the President, existing precedents and relevant legal frameworks are being reviewed.

Proposals have also been put forward to amend the Community-Based Corrections Act and to give greater priority to the reintegration and rehabilitation of offenders rather than focusing solely on punishment.

These proposals include the construction of new prison facilities, expansion of existing prisons and the development of necessary temporary facilities.

We expect integrity from you. We expect discipline. We expect respect for the law. At the same time, it is our responsibility to provide you with a fair working environment. You must have the required staff. There must be opportunities for professional advancement, and your welfare must be protected.”

At the ceremony, E.R. Rasika Sumedha was awarded the title of Best All-Round Warder of the 105th Apprentice Warders’ Training Course, H. Kavisha Devindi was awarded the title of Best All-Round Female Warder, and E.R.R. Avishka Bandara was awarded the title of Best All-Round Second Grade Jailor. The awards were presented by the Minister.

The ceremony was further enhanced by a drill display, cultural performances and several other events.

Commissioner-General of Prisons Prasad Hemantha Kumara Commissioners of Prisons, Superintendents of Prisons, Assistant Superintendents of Prisons, former Commissioners of Prisons, as well as the parents and relatives of the officers of the Apprentice Jailors’ Course and the 105th Apprentice Warders’ Training Course, participated in the occasion.

Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, made these remarks during a discussion held with prison officers regarding the issues they are facing, following the establishment of an integrated mechanism centred around the Dumbara Bogambara Prison and the Pallekele Open Prison. (17.09.2026)

 Speaking at the discussion on the issues faced by officers of the Dumbara Prison, the Minister of Justice stated,

“Necessary steps have been taken to provide compensation to the families of the prison officers who lost their lives in the clash that occurred at the Negombo Prison. Requests regarding an increase in the salaries and allowances of prison officers have been received through the Commissioner-General of Prisons. Salaries and allowances should be increased in recognition of the excellent service you provide. I have discussed with the President the possibility of providing an allowance to prison officers through the forthcoming Budget.

There is a significant number of vacancies within the Department of Prisons. The service rendered by prison officers cannot be assessed in monetary terms.

All necessary measures have been taken to reduce prison overcrowding. A programme has been prepared to ensure that, by January 31 next year, remand prisoners will not remain in custody for more than three months due to delays in obtaining Government Analyst reports.

While consideration is given to those addicted to drugs, there will be no leniency whatsoever towards those who sell drugs. We have the capacity to stop the supply of drugs. However, social support is necessary to stop the demand for drugs.

You may have economic difficulties, but you should not engage in anti-social activities. There may also be officers within the prison service who engage in anti-social activities in expectation of certain benefits. No one should destroy another person’s life in return for any personal benefit,” the Minister stated.

The discussion also focused on matters including the difficulties faced by officers when transporting inmates to court proceedings, as well as the welfare-related concerns of both inmates and prison officers.

The Minister also inspected the conditions prevailing at the prison and held discussions with inmates regarding the issues they face.

Steps have been taken to establish integrated mechanisms centred around all prisons, with the aim of enabling an immediate response in the event of a conflict within a prison and streamlining the welfare activities of inmates.

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Kandy and Matale Districts Sudath Marasinghe, Brigadier K. S. P. Poththapitiya, Additional District Secretary of Kandy Lalith Ampawala, Menikhinna Divisional Secretary Kaushalya Dissanayake, Superintendent of Dumbara Bogambara Prison L. P. Warnakulasuriya, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons H. M. D. Herath, and Assistant Superintendent of Pallekele Prison Mangala Welipitiya, along with officers representing the Department of Prisons, Police, Navy, Air Force, National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Fire Brigade and other state institutions, were present at the establishment of the integrated mechanism.

Modern Equipment Provided to Government Analyst’s Department to Enhance DNA Testing Capacity

 The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has provided essential equipment to the DNA Laboratory of the Government Analyst’s Department to further enhance its DNA testing capacity.

 The equipment was formally handed over by Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Sri Lanka, to Ms. Kamini Perera, Acting Government Analyst, in the presence of the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, this morning (15) at the premises of the Government Analyst’s Department located on Isuru Mawatha, Battaramulla.

 Following an inspection of the equipment, Ms. Kamini Perera, Acting Government Analyst, and Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of UNDP in Sri Lanka, also signed the relevant agreements confirming the handover of the equipment.

 A special discussion was also held under the chairmanship of the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, with the participation of Ms. Kamini Perera, Acting Government Analyst Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of UNDP in Sri Lanka, and Ms. Isabella Martin, High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka. The discussion focused on the progress of issuing forensic reports, requirements for modern testing equipment, and other facilities necessary to improve the efficiency of the Department.

 Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, stated,

  “The delay in issuing forensic reports had become a serious problem over the past period. Formal measures required to address this issue have now been taken. When the present Government assumed office, there were 118 vacancies within the Department. As a result, there were significant difficulties in issuing forensic reports efficiently.

  “Steps have now been taken to recruit approximately 70 personnel required for the Department. Officers are also working until around 10.00 p.m. to expedite the issuance of reports. Necessary measures have been taken to issue reports relating to drugs within a period of less than three months. The service rendered by the officers of the Government Analyst’s Department in this regard should be appreciated.

  “When we examined the conditions prevailing in prisons, one of the primary concerns raised by detainees was that they were unable to obtain bail due to delays in receiving forensic reports. We identified this situation last year and took steps to address it.

  “Arrangements have also been made to provide modern machinery and the chemicals required for testing as necessary. Under the law enacted in 2022, where the net weight of a drug exceeded 10 grams, an application for bail had to be made to the Court of Appeal, resulting in delays in obtaining bail. Necessary measures are now being taken to amend this law. The ability to obtain bail from the High Court will once again be made available where the net weight of the drugs at the time of arrest is less than 100 grams.

  “Special attention was also given during the discussion to expediting DNA testing and providing the additional technical facilities required for this purpose.”

The equipment provided includes an RT-PCR machine, a PCR system, and a number of Crime-Lite Serology Kits, among other equipment. The programme has been implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with financial assistance from the Government of Canada.

The provision of the new equipment is aimed at strengthening the scientific foundation of the judicial process through the accurate identification and analysis of biological evidence, enhancing the accuracy, reliability and evidentiary strength of forensic DNA analysis, and thereby reducing delays within the existing judicial system.