Civil activist Shan Ganegoda, who has previously spent time in remand prison, has alleged that Duminda Silva, currently on death row, is receiving preferential treatment.
Ganegoda claimed that Silva has access to a dedicated washroom and mobile telephone facilities. Additionally, he alleged that high-profile inmates such as Keheliya Rambukwella and Duminda Silva are afforded the privilege of utilizing the services of other prisoners.
He further asserted that some prison authorities allocate special cells to inmates who offer bribes. “The prison system urgently needs to be reformed as part of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative,” Ganegoda stated.
Responding to these allegations, Prison Media Spokesman Gamini C. Dissanayaka, during a press briefing, denied claims of preferential treatment. He stated that Duminda Silva’s ward was searched two months ago, and no banned items were found.
Dissanayaka also dismissed allegations that Silva received assistance from other prisoners, noting that any such help might occur voluntarily among inmates. However, he acknowledged incidents at other facilities, such as Boosa Prison, where prison officers and Special Task Force members have reportedly been involved in smuggling mobile phones and other prohibited items.
He admitted that contraband items, including banned goods, have occasionally been thrown into the Magazine Prison. Routine checks remain a challenge due to a shortage of more than 1,000 prison officers.
