Rights group seeks Western help to pressure NPP govt. over prisoner deaths and ongoing abuses
…compensation not paid yet By Shamindra Ferdinando The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) has sought the intervention of US and European governments to pressure the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) government into establishing an independent mechanism for the protection of ex-Negombo Prison inmates and allow them free access to their lawyers, as well […]
The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) has appealed to the United States and European governments to intervene on behalf of ex-Negombo Prison inmates and address ongoing abuses. The crisis unfolded following the Mahara Prison riot, and the government's actions have raised concerns about transparency and the protection of detainees.
The CPRP has urged these foreign missions to work with local human rights organizations and the United Nations to bring attention to the deteriorating situation in Sri Lankan prisons. Despite judicial orders granting bail to some inmates, they remain in custody, allegedly to obtain confessions and prevent the testimony of eyewitnesses.
Additionally, the disappearance of three inmates, including a Venezuelan national, has further fueled concerns about the abuse and mistreatment of prisoners. The CPRP contends that the prisons system is overcrowded, with over 10,000 convicts and 30,000 suspects, exceeding its capacity of 11,000 to 12,000. They have requested external intervention due to the NPP government's apparent indifference and inability to address the escalating issue.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's meeting with top prisons management followed the Negombo Prison violence, but the government has remained silent on the deaths of 22 suspects and the compensation promised to their families.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
