‘How Many Lives This Time?’ - Namal Says Mahara Unrest NOT Isolated Event

COLOMBO (News1st): SLPP National Organizer and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has voiced serious concerns over the country's prison administration following another prison unrest incident, describing it as the second major prison disturbance within a matter of weeks and warning that the crisis can no longer be viewed as an isolated event.

In a statement shared on social media, Rajapaksa questioned the human cost of the latest unrest, asking, “Another prison unrest. How many lives this time?”

According to Rajapaksa, the repeated disturbances point to deeper structural problems within the prison system. He attributed the situation to what he described as poor management, negligence, and a prison network operating under immense strain.

Rajapaksa argued that the latest incident at the Mahara Prison reflects broader institutional shortcomings rather than a single isolated occurrence. He claimed that poor management, a lack of leadership, and the deterioration of prison conditions have contributed to the growing challenges faced by the sector.

The MP also highlighted the absence of a permanently appointed Commissioner General for the Department of Prisons, questioning why the key position remains unfilled despite what he described as an unfolding crisis.

“Why has this critical position still not been properly filled?” Rajapaksa asked, stressing the need for stronger leadership within the department.

Addressing possible responses to the unrest, Rajapaksa said that deploying additional security personnel may contain immediate tensions but would not resolve the underlying issues facing the prison system.

He pointed to overcrowding, inadequate facilities, poor healthcare services, and the lack of meaningful rehabilitation programmes as urgent concerns requiring attention.

Emphasising the need for long-term reforms, Rajapaksa stated that imprisonment should deprive individuals of their liberty but not their dignity. 

He urged the government to move beyond temporary crisis management and focus on addressing what he described as clear signs of institutional failure within the prison system.