Former MP Hirunika Premachandra has raised serious concerns over what she described as “inhumane and degrading” search procedures allegedly imposed on female inmates in Sri Lankan prisons.
Addressing a media briefing, Premachandra claimed that female inmates, including those at Welikada Prison, were subjected to severe mental and physical distress during searches.
According to Premachandra, female inmates returning to prison after court proceedings or visits to other outside locations are allegedly required to fully undress as part of the search procedure.
She further alleged that intimate areas of inmates’ bodies were subjected to invasive visual inspections using flashlights, describing the practice as degrading and unacceptable.
Premachandra also raised concerns over the lack of adequate privacy at locations where such searches are allegedly conducted, claiming that in some instances visitors or other officials could potentially see inmates undergoing the procedures.
She further alleged that female prison officers made humiliating and sexually inappropriate remarks about inmates’ bodies during searches.
Premachandra said the phrase “Prisoners are also human beings” appeared to be confined to prison walls, arguing that such treatment could fuel anger and resentment among inmates towards prison officials.
She also claimed that degrading treatment of inmates could be among the factors contributing to tensions and unrest within prisons.
Premachandra said mothers and women from different social backgrounds could suffer serious psychological distress from such treatment and called on the authorities to immediately intervene and reform the procedures.
