Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya revealed that 38 women had been imprisoned with their children during the first eight months of 2025.

Responding to a question raised in Parliament today (8), the Prime Minister stated that 38 children currently live inside prisons with their mothers. Of these, 15 are boys and 23 are girls.

She explained that child care centres have been established within the women’s sections of prisons to care for children under five years of age who are imprisoned with their mothers. These facilities are located separately from other inmates, allowing the children to spend time safely with their mothers.

Commenting on nutrition, Amarasuriya said that, in addition to the daily meal provided to inmates, the prison welfare division also supplies milk powder and light meals required for young children.

The Prime Minister further noted that for nearly ten years, an early childhood development centre has been operating within the prisons with support from a private organisation to provide educational activities for the children.

She also revealed that between 1 January and 31 August 2025, a total of 425 women had been imprisoned across the country.