Committee on prison rules holds first meeting

A special committee appointed to review and update regulations and standing orders under the Prisons Ordinance held its first meeting at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Friday afternoon, 9 October.

Officials from the ministries of Buddhasasana, Justice and Public Administration, and from the Department of Buddhist Affairs and the Department of Prisons, took part. Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Secretary Prince Senadheera chairs the committee.

Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara gave policy guidance to the committee, according to the President’s Media Division.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed the committee on 8 October after meeting members of the Maha Sangha representing the three Nikayas. Concerns had been raised over existing prison rules on the treatment of Buddhist monks in custody and when they are taken outside prison.