Sri Lanka signs prisoner exchange agreements with four countries
Sri Lanka has recently signed prisoner exchange agreements with four countries and will commence implementation by returning 22 Pakistani detainees to their country of origin, an official said here Tuesday.
Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera told media that Sri Lanka had inked Memorandums of Understanding with Pakistan, India, the Maldives and the United Kingdom.
“As the first phase of the exchange, Sri Lanka will release 22 prisoners from Pakistan. They will be returned step by step once the papers are processed. Regulations call for the prisoners to be sent back too at a time that is how we will proceed”, he said.
In addition, Sri Lanka will also open its largest prison this month in the hill capital of Pallekele, about 128 km from Colombo, which will be able to house over 3,000 inmates, according to the Prison Reforms Ministry.
The Sri Lankan government approved the building of new prisons last year to free up land in key urban areas that could be used for tourism development.
Xinhua-ANI
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka declares essential services to ensure recovery after Cyclone Ditwah January 31, 2026
- Sri Lanka disburses Rs. 50,000 relief to 70% of Cyclone Ditwah victims January 31, 2026
- Sri Lanka to launch national review on social media’s impact on children January 30, 2026
- Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia move to boost industrial cooperation January 30, 2026
- Johnston Fernando, two sons and others further remanded until February 13, 2026 January 30, 2026
