Prison officers’ salaries, allowances to get attention in Budget: Minister
– The Government is considering increasing the salaries and allowances of prison officers in the upcoming Budget, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara said.The Minister made these remarks during a discussion on issues faced by officers at the Dumbara Prison, held following the establishment of a joint mechanism covering the Dumbara-Bogambara Prison and the Pallekele Open Prison.Nanayakkara also inspected the prison premises and spoke with inmates about the challenges they face.
He said joint mechanisms would be established at all prisons to ensure a coordinated emergency response to possible conflict situations and streamline activities related to inmate welfare.The new mechanism is aimed at bringing together relevant state institutions, including the Department of Prisons, Police, Navy, Air Force, Water Supply Board and Fire Department, for coordinated action during emergencies and welfare-related activities.The event was attended by Kandy and Matale Districts Deputy Inspector General of Police Sudath Marasinghe, Brigadier K.S.P. and officials from several state institutions, along with Kandy Additional District Secretary Lalith Ampawala, Manikhinna Divisional Secretary Kaushalya Dissanayake, Dumbara-Bogambara Prison Superintendent L.P. Warnakulasuriya, Assistant Prison Superintendent H.M.D. Herath and Pallekele Assistant Prison Superintendent Mangala Walipitiya.