Vavuniya Prison temporarily closed due to infectious disease outbreak

The Vavuniya Prison has been temporarily closed following an infectious disease outbreak among prison inmates. 

Prison officials said they expect the prison to be closed for about two weeks to control a fast spreading measles-like outbreak among the prison population. 

The first cases were reported on July 27 and prison officials said they took steps to immediately isolate the infected inmates and their close contacts. 

However, the number of infections grew significantly over the next few days, forcing prison authorities to temporarily close the prison with effect from yesterday (31). 

Given the nature of the outbreak, prison visits by relatives of inmates has been prohibited until further notice while inmates will also not be taken to court for legal proceedings. Instead, all court proceedings related to inmates at the prison will be held via Zoom, officials said. 

Meanwhile, all suspects who are now remanded by the Vavuniya Magistrate's Court are being sent by buses to the Anuradhapura Prison. 

Over 400 inmates are currently held at the Vavuniya Prison, while about 85 prison officers are also working at the premises. 

By Romesh Madushanka