COLOMBO : On an initiative made by Justice Minister Ali Sabry, Muslims in remand prisons are being looked after well during the holy month of Ramadan, Saheed M Rismy,National President,All-Ceylon YMMA Conference said in a statement issued on Saturday, May 1.
In his statement to the press, Rismy said :
“ On the request made by All Ceylon YMMA Conference to the Hon. Minister of Justice Mr Ali Sabri PC, regarding the welfare of Muslim prisoners and inmates of remand prison during this Ramadan in facilitating them with Ifthar and shuhoor meals and other religious obligations that would help them with their process of rehabilitation, Authorities of the prison headquarters had called on an immediate meeting responding to the request made by ministry of justice to discuss about shortcomings of welfare activities of these prisoners was held at the prison headquarters on the 29th of April 2021.
Meeting was held at the presence of officials of ministry of justice, The president ACYMMA conference Mr Saheed M Rismy and Mr Wazeer Mukthar member of Yatinuwara Pradeshiya Saba in Kandy District with the prison authorities of the Magazine prison, Welikada prison and CRP (Colombo Remand Prison) including prison welfare officials. Meeting was chaired by the Commissioner General of prison Mr Thushara Upuldeniya and it was a successful discussion between both parties that brought many clarifications about current procedure implemented in providing prisoners welfare needs.
Through a lengthy discussion it was revealed that all the necessary facilities were provided and the prisoners are allowed to occupy the mosques for daily 5 times prayers and other Ramadan activities. All the activities are encouraged to be done in a congressional manner and all the requirements of provisions for the preparation of meals were provided by the welfare authorities through various sponsorships.
The prison officials explained that there are certain practical difficulties raised in CRP (Colombo Remand Prison) as it doesn’t have a mosque for the activities to be carried out as similar to other prisons, still the prison authorities have promised to provide a separate dormitory for prayers during Ramadan. It was clarified that though only a few lapses happened in the beginning of the Ramadan during the rest of the days cooked meals were provided as per the requirements of the fasting prisoners on time.
It was pointed out that some remand prisoners may undergo difficulties due to being quarantined procedures which were followed within the prison for 14 days but it was confirmed that the meals are provided on time for the fasting ones which is reasonable enough to appreciate the service of the prison authorities which they render towards theses Muslim prisoners to fulfill their religious obligations during this Ramadan.
Further It was confirmed that the relatives of the remand prisoners will be allowed to hand over Eid clothings and foods will not be permitted due to covid prevention guidelines.
Finally the Commissioner General of Prison recognized and appreciated the involvement of the YMMA and expressed their sincere gratitude towards our organisation and agreed to coordinate with the YMMA in future needs.
