By The Pulseline News Desk
The law must apply equally to those in power, politicians, public officials and ordinary citizens, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara has said, stressing that public confidence in State institutions depends on the rule of law being applied without political influence.
Addressing the passing-out ceremony of 265 newly trained prison officers at the Agunakolapelessa Prison Training Institute, Nanayakkara has told the recruits that they should rely on the law and integrity rather than political connections or influence.
“The rule of law does not mean having one law for those who possess power and another for those who do not. It means that the law is applied equally to everyone,” he has said.
The Minister has said prison officers had a responsibility extending beyond security and discipline, describing them as guardians who stand between law enforcement and humanity.
While offenders must be held accountable, he has said they should also be given opportunities to reform and reintegrate into society.
Nanayakkara has said prison policy must therefore move beyond punishment to include correction, rehabilitation and reintegration, noting that vocational training, NVQ qualifications and private-sector employment opportunities were being expanded for inmates.
He has identified prison overcrowding as a major challenge, saying it affected inmates’ dignity and health, the safety of officers and the effective operation of prisons.
The Government is reviewing presidential pardon powers, existing legal frameworks and proposals to amend the Community-Based Corrections Act as part of efforts to address overcrowding and strengthen rehabilitation.
Plans are also underway to construct new prison facilities, expand existing institutions and establish temporary facilities where necessary.
The Minister has urged the newly recruited officers to uphold integrity, discipline and respect for the law, while assuring them that the Government had a responsibility to provide adequate staffing, career opportunities and proper welfare.
The ceremony marked the completion of the 13th Apprentice Second Grade Jailors’ Training Course and the 105th Apprentice Warders’ Training Course.
The 265 recruits comprised 37 apprentice jailors, five female apprentice officers, 197 apprentice warders and 25 female warders.
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