The Ministry of Justice has announced that the Mahamodara and Old Bogambara premises have been designated as temporary prisons until renovation work at the Negombo Prison is completed.
The decision follows the emergency situation that occurred at Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6, which caused extensive damage to the facility. Prison authorities have determined that the premises are currently unsuitable for housing inmates, as the site is also being treated as a crime scene.
The Ministry said that most inmates previously held at Negombo Prison have already been transferred temporarily to other prisons. This will enable investigators to carry out their inquiries safely, ensure the security of inmates, and facilitate the prompt commencement of renovation work once investigations are completed.
Considering the overcrowding in existing prisons and the need to safeguard inmate welfare, the Government has also identified the need to temporarily relocate a number of inmates to other suitable facilities.
Accordingly, regulations have been issued under the Prisons Ordinance to establish the Mahamodara and Old Bogambara premises as temporary prisons until the restoration of Negombo Prison is completed, the Ministry of Justice said.
