<ul><li>CPRP claims preferential treatment sparked violence</li><li>Urges inmates to be provided with life insurance</li><li>Prisons Dept says situation is under control as probe continues</li><li>HRCSL launches probe</li></ul> Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera, President of the Committee for Protecting Prisoners' Rights (CPRP), claimed that unequal treatment of inmates was the underlying cause of the unrest that erupted at the Mahara Prison on 1 August.&nbsp; Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (2), he alleged several inmates arrested over drug-related offences maintained close relationships with certain police officers and, as a result, received preferential treatment from prison officials. He claimed those inmates were provided with more drinking water than others, allocated better cells and granted special privileges."The remaining inmates protested against this discriminatory treatment. Although the protest later subsided, a group of inmates subsequently began threatening and harassing those who had taken part in the demonstration while enjoying the protection of prison officials. This situation has been developing over time and was further aggravated by the distress prevailing in prisons across the country," he said. Highlighting the severe overcrowding at the prison, Perera said Mahara Prison was originally built to accommodate 991 inmates but currently houses 4,447 prisoners. He further claimed that, according to reliable sources, the situation had escalated by around 1 p.m. on 1 August after prison officers allegedly left inmates unattended for nearly an hour while they behaved aggressively. "That amounts to a failure to perform their official duties," he alleged.Perera also called for the introduction of a life insurance scheme for all prisoners, noting that recent incidents had demonstrated the dangers inmates faced. "Given the current situation, returning from prison alive has become a major challenge. Every prisoner should be covered by life insurance," he said.However, Prison Commissioner Prasad Hemantha Kumara told The Daily Morning that no such information regarding the alleged cause of the unrest had been reported to the Prisons Department.Meanwhile, the Prisons Department stated the unrest, which began on 1 August, had been fully brought under control by around 6.00 a.m. yesterday, through a joint operation involving the Department of Prisons, Sri Lanka Police, the Special Task Force and the Armed Forces.One inmate was killed and six others were injured during the incident. Prisons Department Media Spokesperson and Prisons Commissioner A.C. Gajanayake said an investigation had been launched into the incident, adding that inmates had caused extensive damage to prison property.According to the Department, the unrest began when a group of inmates started throwing stones from inside the prison while relatives were visiting prisoners.During the disturbance, a group of inmates allegedly attempted to escape after breaking through a temporary wall under construction within the prison compound.Another group set fire to a prison building, while prison officers stationed near the main entrance opened fire in an attempt to contain the situation.The Department also stated inmates involved in the unrest also assaulted fellow prisoners who had refused to join them, leaving six inmates injured. They were admitted to the Ragama Teaching Hospital, where one of them later succumbed to his injuries.The deceased was identified as a 33-year-old resident of Hendala, Wattala, who had been remanded over charges of motorcycle theft and possession of 20 grams of Ice. As news of the unrest spread, relatives of inmates gathered outside the prison. Police, riot control units, the Special Task Force, the Army and the Navy were deployed to strengthen security around the prison. After hearing sounds resembling gunfire from inside the prison, angry relatives attempted to break through police barricades to enter the premises. The STF prevented the attempt, after which some members of the crowd hurled stones towards the prison. The Sri Lanka Air Force also deployed a Bell 412 helicopter and a drone to monitor the situation from the air. A police officer later addressed the relatives and explained the situation, following which they were persuaded to leave the prison entrance. However, tensions briefly flared again before the crowd was redirected to a nearby road. Police also imposed a curfew on three Grama Niladhari divisions surrounding the Mahara Prison under the Ragama Police Division to maintain law and order. The curfew covered 246 Kendaliyadda Paluwa West, 246C Kendaliyadda Paluwa North and 181G Dambuwa. The restrictions were lifted yesterday after authorities confirmed that the situation had stabilised. The Prisons Department also stated 104 inmates had been transferred to the Dumbara, Welikada, Boossa, Kalutara, Badulla, Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa prisons following the unrest. Mahara Prison Superintendent Rohana Galappaththi said the inmates transferred are suspected of being involved in the unrest that erupted at the prison. He also assured relatives that the safety of inmates currently housed at Mahara Prison had been secured and urged them not to panic. A list containing the names of the transferred inmates has been displayed near the roadblock outside the Mahara Prison. The Department further announced that inmate visitation at Mahara Prison would resume after today (3) and tomorrow (4), as repair work is currently underway within the prison. Furthermore, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has launched a special investigation into the unrest that erupted at the Mahara Prison. The Commission stated that a three-member investigation team visited the prison yesterday and commenced inquiries into the incident. Justice and National Integration Minister, attorney Harshana Nanayakkara was not available for comment.&nbsp;

 Mahara unrest: Prison privileges trigger revolt? 

<ul><li>NMRA rejects allegation, says Health Ministry sets diagnostic test prices</li></ul> The price controls imposed by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) have prevented private hospitals from using high-quality reagents for laboratory tests, raising concerns over the quality of laboratory reports and patient safety, President of the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA), Dr Chamal Sanjeewa alleged.Speaking to The Daily Morning on the need for urgent reforms to the country's medicine regulatory system, he said yesterday (2) that the restrictions had affected the ability of private hospitals to conduct tests using high-quality reagents. He alleged that this had led to a decline in the quality of laboratory reports issued by some institutions and warned that inaccurate reports could result in misdiagnoses and serious consequences for patients. Dr Sanjeewa said several reforms were needed to strengthen the medicine regulatory system, including the introduction of a transparent online tracking system that would allow the public to monitor the progress of medicine registrations and approvals. He also proposed a fast-track approval process for medicines that have already been cleared by internationally recognised regulatory authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA).The MCPA President further called for the establishment of a WHO-standard laboratory to test every imported batch of medicines before they are released to the market, saying this would help ensure the quality of medicines entering the country.He also stressed the need for stronger market surveillance through regular inspections to prevent the circulation of substandard medicines, while calling for a scientific pricing formula that takes into account global medicine prices and fluctuations in the US dollar exchange rate. The NMRA regulates the registration, licensing, importation and control of medicines and medical devices in Sri Lanka, with the stated objective of ensuring public access to quality-assured medical products.However, NMRA Chairperson Dr Ananda Wijewickrema dismissed the allegations, describing the claim that NMRA price controls had prevented private hospitals from using high-quality reagents as false.He said that where price controls existed, they had been imposed by the Ministry of Health on certain diagnostic tests, not by the NMRA.Attempts to contact Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hansaka Wijemuni for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

Diagnostic tests: NMRA price controls affect quality: MCPA

The Attorney General (AG) has cleared the draft Bill seeking to extend the retirement age of judges.The AG's Department stated it had forwarded its legal observations on the proposed legislation to the Ministry of Justice.The Ministry is now expected to finalise the draft Bill and publish it in the Government Gazette. The proposal, which seeks to increase judges' retirement age by two years, was recently submitted to the Cabinet by the Ministry of Justice and subsequently approved.The Government has stated the move is intended to help expedite the disposal of more than 1.1 million pending court cases across the country.

AG clears Bill to extend judges' retirement age

<ul><li>Police monitoring all major prisons</li></ul>Security has been strengthened at prisons across the country following the unrest at the Mahara Prison on 1 August, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Sajeewa Medawatta said.Speaking to the media after inspecting the situation at Mahara Prison yesterday (2), he said special attention had been directed towards the security of prisons including Welikada, Magazine, Kalutara and Negombo.He said the disturbance that broke out on 1 August had created a highly tense situation that continued until the early hours of yesterday.Medawatta also said that many inmates had damaged prison property during the unrest.However, he said the combined efforts of the Department of Prisons, Police, Special Task Force, Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Navy had enabled authorities to bring the situation under control by yesterday morning. He added that steps would be taken over the next few hours to further strengthen security and restore normal operations at the prison.

Mahara unrest: Security tightened at all prisons  

<ul><li>Meteorology Dept warns of rough seas and possible damage</li></ul>The Department of Meteorology has forecast showers at times in the Sabaragamuwa Province and the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts over the next 36 hours, with fairly heavy rainfall of around 50 mm expected in some areas.Several spells of showers are also forecast in the Western and North-Western Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva Province and the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m., while mainly dry weather is expected elsewhere across the island.Strong south-westerly winds of between 40 and 50 kmph are expected at times over the North Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-Western Provinces, as well as the Trincomalee District.The Department has urged the public to take precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning associated with thunderstorms.The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has also issued a strong wind advisory valid until 11.30 a.m. today (3), warning that wind speeds could cause damage to roofs, power and communication lines, trees, paddy fields, banana and papaya plantations, orchards and harbour yachts. Sea water inundation is also possible in low-lying coastal areas.The public has been advised to remain alert, avoid damaged structures and fallen power lines, and follow further advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.Meanwhile, the Department's forecast for multi-day fishing vessels warned that winds over the sea areas from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota could strengthen to between 50 and 60 kmph. The sea in those areas is expected to be rough at times, with wave heights reaching between 2.5 and 3 metres.&nbsp;The Navy and fishing communities have been advised to exercise extreme caution while carrying out operations at sea.

Heavy showers and strong winds expected

A special civil-military coordination meeting aimed at resolving long-standing land disputes and accelerating regional development was held at the Mullaitivu Divisional Secretariat under the patronage of Deputy Defence Minister Major General (Retired) Aruna Jayasekara.&nbsp; Discussions primarily centred on lands in Keppapilavu currently being used by the Sri Lanka Army and lands in the Vaduvakal area occupied by the Sri Lanka Navy. Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Minister stressed the importance of maintaining a proper balance between national security requirements and the land rights of the public. He instructed the relevant authorities to work towards practical, people-centred solutions that would not compromise national security. Jayasekara also commended the role played by the Armed Forces during natural disasters and community service programmes. Residents were given the opportunity to raise their grievances directly with the Deputy Minister, a move that was welcomed by those present. They expressed hope that fair solutions would be reached in a transparent manner while promoting reconciliation.

Balancing security with land rights: Defence Ministry leads Mullaitivu land talks

<ul><li>Says a Govt that cannot manage prisons cannot govern the country</li></ul>Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (2) questioned whether a Government that could not manage the country's prison system was capable of improving the lives of Sri Lanka's 22 million people.Addressing a public meeting in Maligakanda, Borella, he said the Government had failed to maintain order within the prison system, raising serious doubts about its ability to address the country's wider challenges.Premadasa recalled that only a few days ago the Government had mocked the Opposition after voting against its no-confidence motion against the Minister of Justice and National Integration in Parliament. However, he said, within days of that vote, unrest had broken out at the Mahara Prison.He added that the same Government which had voted to protect the Minister was now once again forced to deal with unrest at Mahara. "A Government that cannot manage a prison cannot rebuild a country," he said, alleging that instead of rebuilding the nation, the administration was destroying it.

Sajith questions Govt over prison crisis

<ul><li>460 Grade Five scholarship winners receive support until A-levels</li></ul>Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya said education is a fundamental right that every child is entitled to and not a privilege, adding that the ‘Nena Isura’ Scholarship Programme strengthens the Government's efforts to ensure that no child is forced to abandon education due to financial hardship.She made these remarks while addressing the ‘Nena Isura 2026’ scholarship awards ceremony held yesterday in memory of the late Ven. Galboda Siri Gnānissara Thera.The programme, organised by the Ven. Galboda Siri Gnānissara Memorial Scholarship Fund under the guidance of Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Chief Incumbent Ven. Dr Kirinde Assaji Thera, awarded scholarships to 460 students who passed the Grade Five Scholarship Examination.The fund will continue providing financial assistance to the recipients until they complete their GCE Advanced Level education.Addressing the gathering, the Premier said the ‘Nena Isura’ Scholarship Fund remains a living legacy of the late monk's humanitarian vision and would provide invaluable support to children determined to continue their education despite economic hardship.Dr Amarasuriya said the Government was committed to transforming the country's education sector and ensuring that every child, regardless of economic background, had equal access to quality education.She said the Government was updating school curricula and moving away from an examination-centred education system towards one that nurtures children's practical skills, critical thinking and creativity.She added that the Government was also investing more in rural schools to bridge the gap between urban and rural education by improving infrastructure, addressing teacher shortages and expanding access to technology.The Premier noted that efforts were also underway to restore a proper academic calendar after years of disruptions to examinations and the release of results.She further said the Government was expanding pathways for students to pursue higher and vocational education after leaving school, while strengthening programmes such as the school meal programme, free textbooks, school equipment and scholarship schemes to ensure that no child is forced to discontinue education due to financial difficulties.She told the students that the scholarship represented not only financial assistance but also the confidence the entire nation had placed in their future.

Education is a right, not a privilege: PM

The Conseil National des Barreaux (CNB), the statutory body representing attorneys in France, has called on Sri Lankan authorities to refrain from amending the Constitution to extend the retirement age of serving judges, warning that such a move could affect public confidence in the judiciary and its independence.The resolution was adopted at the CNB’s General Assembly held in Paris, where the organisation expressed concerns that changes to judicial tenure could undermine the principles of an independent judiciary.The CNB’s position comes in line with concerns previously raised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), which warned President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that extending the retirement age of judges currently serving on the bench could be perceived as an attempt to interfere with the judiciary.The BASL, which represents around 25,000 Attorneys-at-Law, had cautioned that such a constitutional amendment at this stage could raise concerns regarding judicial independence. The Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association has also expressed opposition to the proposal, citing internationally recognised principles relating to the independence of the judiciary. The proposed amendment has drawn attention amid Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to address its economic crisis and strengthen governance institutions. Following the country’s $51 billion external debt default in 2022, France currently co-chairs Sri Lanka’s Sovereign Creditors’ Committee along with Japan and India.France has also entered into an agreement to restructure €390 million of Sri Lanka’s debt, while the French Development Agency has resumed lending operations in the country.At the professional level, the CNB and BASL held discussions on 3 June to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at protecting lawyers facing risks and strengthening commitments towards the rule of law.The CNB has urged Sri Lankan, French and international authorities to use all available mechanisms to safeguard judicial independence and ensure that any constitutional reforms are carried out following proper democratic consultation.

Mahara unrest: Prison privileges trigger revolt?

Diagnostic tests: NMRA price controls affect quality: MCPA

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AG clears Bill to extend judges' retirement age

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Balancing security with land rights: Defence Ministry leads Mullaitivu ...

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Sajith questions Govt over prison crisis

Sajith questions Govt over pri ...

Education is a right, not a privilege: PM

Education is a right, not a pr ...

Judges’ Retirement Age: French Bar Council opposes proposed change

Judges’ Retirement Age: French ...

Diagnostic tests: NMRA price controls affect quality: MCPA

Diagnostic tests: NMRA price c ...

AG clears Bill to extend judges' retirement age

AG clears Bill to extend judge ...

Mahara unrest: Security tightened at all prisons

Mahara unrest: Security tighte ...

Heavy showers and strong winds expected

Heavy showers and strong winds ...

Balancing security with land rights: Defence Ministry leads Mullaitivu ...

Balancing security with land r ...

Sajith questions Govt over prison crisis

Sajith questions Govt over pri ...

Education is a right, not a privilege: PM

Education is a right, not a pr ...

Judges’ Retirement Age: French Bar Council opposes proposed change

Judges’ Retirement Age: French ...

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