Rehabilitation of inmates who were imprisoned over narcotics-related charges will be expedited, says the State Ministry of Prison Management and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation.

Thereby, the State Ministry, together with the Department of Prisons, will be taking steps will to fast-track the process, on the directives of the Attorney General.

The decision was reached during a meeting held last evening (04), focused on the growing numbers of Covid-19 infections in prisons.

According to reports, nearly 8,000 inmates remanded over narcotics-related charges are currently held in prisons.

State Minister Lohan Ratwatte has instructed the officials to take necessary measures to refer the inmates, who complete the rehabilitation to process, to PCR tests and the place them under quarantine.

Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Kandakadu, Bogambara Prison premises and other suitable locations will be utilized for this purpose.

The State Minister also gave instructions to move Covid-19 infected inmates to one prison and provide them with the required medical facilities.