Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says that attention has been drawn to switching the management of the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre.

The Minister emphasized that a new program will be implemented in conjunction with the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Center, in view of the reports on repeated conflicts within the establishment.

When inquired by Ada Derana, Rajapakshe stated that a discussion pertaining to the future plans regarding the matter is scheduled to be held on Monday (Jan. 15).

On Friday (12), over 60 inmates of the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre had reportedly escaped during a clash between two groups of inmates detained at the camp.

The Commissioner General of Rehabilitation confirmed that over 60 inmates had escaped, while at least 25 others sustained injuries following the heated situation. The injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at Welikanda Hospital, while 03 of them who were at critical condition were referred to the Polonnaruwa Teaching Hospital for further treatment. 

However, 16 out of the escaped detainees had surrendered to the police with the intervention of local residents.

Against this backdrop, several escaped inmates who had later surrendered to police, also claimed that they were repeatedly subjected to harassment by the other detainees at the camp.