Rs. 500,000 only initial compensation for fallen prison officers: Spokesman

Colombo, July 12 (Daily Mirror) - The Department of Prisons said that the Rs. 500,000 paid to the families of prison officers who lost their lives in the recent clash at Negombo Prison was only an initial compensation payment.

Responding to criticism over the amount, Prisons Commissioner and Media Spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake said the department is considering increasing the total compensation package to more than Rs. 2 million for each affected family.

He also said that the Department of Prisons covered all funeral expenses for the deceased officers.

Meanwhile, the department is reviewing compensation for prison officers who were injured during the incident.

Commissioner Gajanayake said seven injured prison officers remain hospitalised, with three of them continuing to receive treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Colombo National Hospital.