Galle, Jan 07 (Daily Mirror) - Following the recent death of an inmate at Galle Prison due to meningitis, eight more inmates are currently being treated for suspected meningitis at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital.

Prisons Commissioner and Media Spokesman Gamini B. Dissanayake said all activities at the Galle Prison have been restricted as a precautionary measure with effect from January 4.

In response to the health crisis, new inmates destined for Galle Prison will now be transferred to Angunakolapelessa Prison under stringent health measures, he said.

The Prisons Commissioner said that visitors to the Galle Prison will be permitted only under strict health guidelines.

A 29-year-old resident of Kottawagama died of meningitis at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital on January 3.

Last week, two inmates from Matara Prison also succumbed to meningitis, while 17 others were hospitalized with high fever.