By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

Following the recent death of an inmate at Galle prison due to meningitis, eight inmates are currently being treated for suspected meningitis at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital.  

Prisons Commissioner and Media Spokesman Gamini B. Dissanayake said that all activities at Galle Prison have been limited 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 Galle Prison will be permitted only under strict health guidelines.  

A 29-year-old resident of Kottawagama died of meningitis at 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.