Kandy, Sri Lanka – Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, has stated that Sri Lanka’s progress was hindered by poor decision-making by previous governments, while urging officials to accelerate the completion of the new Dumbara Prison complex in Pallekele.
During an observation tour of the construction site, the Minister inspected the progress of the new prison building and held discussions with key officials regarding the challenges and delays in its construction.
The relocation of inmates from Bogambara Prison to Dumbara Prison began in 2007 as part of a long-term relocation project. However, the current capacity crisis at Dumbara Prison remains a significant issue, with over 2,500 inmates currently housed there—almost double its intended capacity. This overcrowding has created difficulties for both inmates and prison officers, prompting the Minister to instruct officials from the Ministry of Justice and the State Engineering Corporation to expedite the construction of the new facility.
Speaking at the discussion, the Minister emphasized the need to protect the rights of inmates, stating that prisoners cannot make demands like ordinary citizens and rely solely on officials to ensure their well-being. He stressed the importance of providing essential facilities to detainees and urged officials to be proactive in completing the construction.
The government has allocated Rs. 400 million in this year’s budget to fund the next phase of construction. While the original deadline for the project is December 31, 2028, the Minister requested the State Engineering Corporation to accelerate progress and complete the project ahead of schedule. He assured that if any regulations or individuals hinder construction activities, they should report directly to him or the Ministry Secretary, and necessary action would be taken.
“The country went backward due to the failure of previous rulers to take proper decisions. However, we believe that by making the right choices, we can move the country forward. That is the policy of our government,” the Minister stated.
He further added that while state institutions have faced inefficiencies over the past two years, he would not blame officials but instead focus on managing financial resources effectively to ensure better governance and infrastructure development moving forward.
The discussion was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, President’s Counsel Ayesha Jinasena, Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya, and high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Prisons, the State Engineering Corporation, and the National Planning Department.
The completion of the Dumbara Prison Complex remains a priority project under the Justice Ministry’s reform agenda, aiming to address overcrowding, improve inmate facilities, and enhance the country’s correctional system.
