{
  "id": 425022,
  "title": "Govt. to install scanners at 33 prisons to end strip searches",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/govt-to-install-scanners-at-33-prisons-to-end-strip-searches",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-09T23:59:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/govt-to-install-scanners-at-33-prisons-to-end-strip-searches/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The government of Sri Lanka has allocated funds to install body scanners in 33 prisons, with the aim of eliminating strip searches. Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara announced the decision in response to concerns raised by politicians, human rights groups and prison rights activists. The practice of strip searches involves inmates removing their clothing and undergoing visual inspection for hidden contraband. To address these concerns, Nanayakkara revealed that the government plans to import X-ray transmission body scanners, which can detect objects concealed within body cavities. These scanners are more intrusive than conventional body-scanning technology but are already used in some high-security prisons to identify banned items. The Minister stated that the government intends to introduce these scanners as an alternative method to detect concealed contraband while addressing concerns over the dignity and treatment of inmates.",
  "summary": "By Norman Palihawadane The government had allocated funds to import body scanners for 33 prisons, involving visual inspection of prisoners’ anal areas, to end the practice of strip searches, Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told The Island. The Minister said the decision followed concerns raised by politicians, human rights groups and prison rights […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}