Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara said that immediate steps will be taken to relocate the Matara Prison to the Kotawila area, citing severe overcrowding and inadequate facilities at the current site.

The Minister made this remark during an inspection visit to the Matara Prison on Friday (7), where he observed significant shortcomings affecting both inmates and prison staff. 

Following the visit, a special discussion was held under his patronage to address the issues.

“There is insufficient space at the current premises to operate a fully functional prison,” Minister Nanayakkara said.

“As a result, prison officers, staff and inmates are experiencing considerable difficulties. We have discussed moving the facility to Kotawila as an urgent solution.”

The Minister said that a land has already been allocated in Kotawila, where the new Matara court complex is also located. 

He added that the Matara Prison sustained damages during the recent unrest, and that situation was also reviewed during the visit.