The special cells or “Mora Wards” in which high profile individuals serve their jail terms have now come under the surveillance of authorities after raids were carried out in prisons countrywide.

Prison Reforms and Rehabilitation Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera said these special cells would be raided regularly though for years they have not been checked.

He said the prisons were usually raided to look for drugs of mobile phones but with the high tech equipment that would be purchased soon, a prisoner could be easily body searched.

The minister said special cells would be provided to inmates only if a Magistrate or a Judge makes such a request. (Supun Dias)