Grave crimes and drug mafia operate from prisons should be stopped: President

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stressed that all criminal activities,including drug mafia, operated by the underworld criminals in prisons, should be immediately stopped. He said information had been received about criminals in the prisons who were operating large scale drug deals and other grave crimes from prison cells.

President Rajapaksa revealed these information during a discussion with the Prison officials to review the current status of prisons held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (01). The President said the use of mobile phones inside the prisons should be completely prohibited.

"If the prison or the Police deteriorated, it would affect the execution of the law of the country. If any officer performs his duty uprightly and honestly, I never hesitate to appreciate it regardless his political affiliation" he said.

President Rajapaksa stressed the necessity of rectifying irregularities in the Prisons Department by a committee consisting of the Defence Secretary, Army Commander and the Inspector General of Police.

Instructions were passed to direct the all activities including training and motivation of officers to a supervisory board. "Corrupted and inefficient officers should be identified and appropriate actions should be taken against them," he said.

President Rajapaksa emphasized that the existing shortcomings of the Department of Prisons will be removed and the system will be entirely overhauled. This restructuring process will be implemented through a committee comprising Secretary Defence, the Army Commander and the Inspector General of Police.

President also advised the relevant officials to conduct all actions including the training of officers and providing incentives under a supervisory team.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, President’s Secretary Dr. P. B. Jayasundara, Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice S. M. Mohamed, Tri-Service Commanders, IGP and senior officials of the Prison Department attended the conference.