Responding to a question raised in Parliament today (8), the Prime Minister stated that currently, 38 children are living inside prisons with their mothers including 15 boys and 23 girls.
She explained that child care centres have been established within the women’s sections of prisons to provide care for children under five years of age who are incarcerated with their mothers. These centres are separated from other inmates, ensuring a safer environment for the children.
Commenting on nutritional support, the Prime Minister noted that in addition to the daily meals given to inmates, the prison welfare division provides milk powder and light meals to meet the nutritional needs of young children.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya further highlighted that for nearly a decade, an early childhood development centre has been operating inside prisons with the support of a private organisation, offering educational and recreational activities for the children.
She also disclosed that between January 1 and August 31, 2025, a total of 425 women have been imprisoned across the country.
