June 24, Colombo: During a search operation in the Magazine Remand Prison in Colombo, 14 mobile phones found in the possession of the inmates were seized.

Commissioner of Prisons Chandana Ekanayake said the phones were found in the C ward. The search was carried out under the direction and instructions of the new Superintendent of the Magazine Prison Neranjan Fernando, who was appointed recently.

The operations implemented in the prisons to seize banned items in the possession of the inmates and to prevent inmates from directing illegal activities from the prisons are continuing following the President’s instructions.

Meanwhile, the chief jailers of 19 prisons island wide have been transferred with immediate effect. Commissioner of Prisons Chandana Ekanayake said that this action was taken based on service requirements.

Steps have also been taken to suspend a prison officer at the Boosa high security prison after a mobile phone that was intended to be given to an inmate was found in his possession on 13th June.

Meeting with prison officials earlier this month, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa gave instructions to completely eradicate the use of mobile phones within prison premises. He further instructed to identify corrupt and inefficient prison officers and take appropriate decisions regarding them.