The Government has approved the construction of a new prisons complex in Watareka, Homagama as an alternative to the over-crowded welikada prisons, Commissioner General of Prisons T.M.J.W. Tennakoon said today.
He said the decision has been taken following a visit by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to the Welikada Prisons recently.
Mr Tennakoon told a press conference that though the Welikada prisons can hold only 10,000 prisoners they were currently holding 26,000 prisoners.
He said that the existing prisons in Watareka is located in an area over 38 acres and it has sufficient space for expansion.
He said the cabinet approved the proposal in August 2019, but the construction was expected to commence only in 2021, but following discussions with the President it has been decided to expedite the construction work.
Caption: Commissioner General of Prisons T.M.J.W. Tennakoon addressing the press.
Former Speaker and NPP MP Asoka Ranwala was arrested today following a road accident in the Denimulla area of Sapugaskanda last night, police said.
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