Sri Lanka Plans Salary Hike for Prison Officers

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government is paying special attention to increasing the salaries and allowances of prison officers through the upcoming national budget, Justice and National Integration Minister Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara has announced.

The Minister made the remarks while attending an event to establish an integrated mechanism centred around the Dumbara Bogambara Prison and the Pallekele Open Prison.

During the event, Minister Nanayakkara also stated that steps are currently being taken to provide compensation to the families of prison officers who lost their lives during the unrest that occurred at the Negombo Prison.

He noted that requests relating to salary increments and enhanced allowances for prison officers had been submitted through the Commissioner General of Prisons.

Acknowledging the dedicated service rendered by prison officers, the Minister emphasized that measures are being explored to improve their remuneration and benefits in recognition of their contribution to the country's correctional and rehabilitation system.

The Minister further revealed that discussions had already been held with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake regarding the possibility of granting a special allowance to prison officers through the forthcoming budget.