Scanning machines for prisons

Rafik Jalaldeen

The Prisons Commission is to install scanner machines to prevent the entry of unauthorised items and materials into prisons and reach prisoners.

Commissioner Civil Administration and Media spokesman Kenneth Fernando said Justice and Law Reform Ministry in collaboration with the Prisons Commission under the direction of the Defence Secretary has taken steps to install scanning machines in the Prisons.

“The Ministry and the Prisons Commissioner General after a lengthy discussion had decided to install the scanners in all the Prisons. The scanner machines will be put in place according to funds available,” he added.

He said, however the Prisons Commission was facing financial problems over the scanners and was awaiting technical evaluation and specifications from authorities. “As soon as the funds are allocated, the next step can be executed and the scanner machines will be a reality,” he added.

Fernando noted that initially the scanners will be installed in the Colombo prisons. “We will begin with Colombo, later the scanners will be installed in other prisons depending on the expenditure,” he added.

He asserted that by installing scanners, the Prisons Commission can overcome many problems such as smuggling unauthorized items and articles to prison cells. He stressed that the exercise is only at an initial stage.