Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage ordered the Commissioner General of Prisons to appear before the court immediately today (20) regarding the decision of prison officers to take trade union action.
This order was issued due to inmates not being brought to the court for scheduled proceedings at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Additionally, the Chief Magistrate instructed the Commissioner General of Prisons to submit a complete report on the officers who had reported sick leave today.
It was reported that prison officers across several parts of the island have called in sick and did not report to work today, citing several demands, including the lack of salary increases.
Due to this trade union action by the prison officers, the opportunity for visitors to see inmates, as well as the transport of inmates to court for proceedings, has been hindered.