The Prison Department has refuted claims circulating on social media alleging that R. Duminda Silva, currently an inmate at the Welikada Prison Hospital, has been receiving special privileges. According to Gamini B. Dissanayake, the Commissioner of Prisons (Media), these allegations are baseless and have been fabricated to discredit the department.
The department clarified that Silva has been provided only the standard medical facilities available to all inmates in the ward where he was receiving treatment. No additional facilities or privileges were granted. To counter the misinformation, the department has released factual details and photographs of the hospital ward to the media.
As per medical recommendations, Silva has now completed his inpatient treatment at the prison hospital and has been transferred to a general cell in the Welikada Prison.
The department outlined that the medical care provided to inmates is governed by the Prison Statutes, specifically sections 41 to 81. According to these regulations, any prisoner requiring medical attention is first assessed by a prison doctor. Based on the doctor’s recommendations, the inmate may be referred to the prison hospital or, if necessary, to a government hospital for further treatment.
The Prison Department emphasized that Silva’s treatment adhered strictly to these procedures. The department also noted that certain individuals are spreading false information for personal or political gain, misleading the public and tarnishing the reputation of the Prison Department.
The Commissioner further reiterated that the department remains committed to following established protocols and urged the public to disregard baseless allegations. The Prison Department called on all parties to respect the integrity of its work and avoid propagating false narratives for self-serving purposes.
