Prisoners end hunger strike

Inmates of several prisons who were engaged in a hunger strike demanding speedier action to release them either through rehabilitation or general amnesty have ended their fast following assurance from the government.

Minister of Prisons Reforms, and Resettlement D.M. Swaminathan said that they ended their fast from 8.00am this morning.

The hunger strike was launched by inmates, arrested and detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), at the Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Jaffna and Colombo Magazine prisons.

The inmates had decided to end their fast following a meeting with Minister Swaminathan last evening.

He stated that the implementation of a rehabilitation programme has been planned for inmates who cannot be released on bail.

Those inmates are expected to undergo rehabilitation based on the advice of the Attorney General’s Department.