No negotiation with criminals on hunger strike at Boossa: Prisons Dept.

While stating that the hunger strike which was launched by several high profile criminals at the Boosa Prison is continuing, the Prisons Department officials said they were not whatsoever ready to have any negotiation with those involved in the hunger strike.

Prisons Spokesman and Commissioner Chandana Ekanayake said 10 out of 40 inmates who launched the hunger strike Thursday morning had abandoned it today.

However, high profile criminals like Kanjipani Imran, Wele Suda, Kosgoda Tharaka and Podi Lassi are still on hunger strike.

“If we allow their demands to mete, it is against their disciplinary process,” he said.

When asked whether they would further beef up the security, he said the Special Task Force (STF) personnel had already been deployed at the prison.

“There is no necessity to provide extra security as STF personnel are much equipped and capable of tackling situations of this nature,” he said.

The Prisons Spokesman said the inmates launched the hunger strike in protest of the restriction on visitors and removal of telephone facilities.

The prisoners also protested against the search operations carried out on the inmates when they were brought to the Prison after being produced in the courts and demanded to increase the weekly amount that they can pay to purchase additional foods. (Sheain Fernandopulle)