The Minister of Justice has appointed former High Court Judge Kusala Sarojani Weerawardane to conduct an independent and impartial inquiry into recent controversies at Welikada and Anuradhapura Prisons.
It was alleged that State Minister Lohan Ratwatte broke into Welikada and Anuradhapura Prisons under the influence of alcohol.
Furthermore, it was reported that Ratwatte threatened Tamil prisoners at Anuradhapura Prision using a pistol.
Following these controversies, Ratwatte had to resign from his Prison Management portfolio on 16 September.
Speaking about the alleged incidents, Justice Minister Ali Sabry said that he apologize for what the Tamil Prisoners had to go through as a result of Ratwatte’s conduct at Anuradhapura Prison. Ali sabry said that the incident should not have happened and was a disgrace.