It has come to light that over 60 CCTV cameras installed in Kalutara prison two years ago have been non-operational for approximately a year. The revelation emerged during investigations into the recent death of a prison inmate resulting from an assault.
The inactive CCTV cameras are situated in various areas within the prison, including the main building, all wards (including the women’s cell), main entrance, and the restaurant. Notably, the security camera in front of C ward, where the inmate was reportedly attacked, is also inactive.
A senior officer from Kalutara prison, who preferred to remain unnamed, expressed concern over the inactivity of the CCTV camera system. According to the officer, the system has been disabled for a year, posing a security threat to the prison. Despite notifying the head office about the issue, delays in addressing the problem have been attributed to funding challenges.