Justice Minister Stresses Equal Application of Law at Prison Officers’ Passing - Out Ceremony

Justice and National Integration Minister, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, has stressed that the law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of their position or status, including rulers, politicians, public officials and ordinary citizens.

The Minister made these remarks while attending as the chief guest at the passing-out ceremony of officers who successfully completed the 13th Trainee Jailor (Class II) and 105th Trainee Guard training courses of the Department of Prisons.

A total of 265 recruits received their passing-out certificates at the ceremony and parade held this morning (19) at the sports grounds of the Agunakolapelessa Prison Training Institute.

Addressing the newly trained officers, Minister Nanayakkara said prison officers should view their responsibilities as extending beyond simply guarding inmates.

He noted that addressing crime in society cannot be achieved through punishment alone and stressed that prison policy must also focus on correction, rehabilitation and the reintegration of inmates into society.

“Your duty should not be viewed merely as guarding. You should see yourselves as people who help steer a person’s life back onto a positive course. That is where the true dignity of your profession lies,” the Minister said.

He further emphasized the importance of the rule of law, saying that the law must be enforced equally for everyone.

“The rule of law does not mean having one set of laws for the powerful and another for the powerless. It means the law is enforced equally for all,” he said.

According to the Minister, this principle is essential to maintaining public trust in state institutions. He told the newly appointed officers that they should rely neither on political connections nor external influence, but instead place their faith in the law and uphold integrity in the performance of their duties.

“The uniform you are assuming today is a symbol of that responsibility,” he said.

Minister Nanayakkara also acknowledged that enforcing the law when a crime occurs is essential, but said punishment alone cannot resolve the broader issue of crime.

He argued that the prison system must move beyond punishment and place greater emphasis on rehabilitation and preparing inmates to return to society.

“A person ends up in prison not solely due to their own wrongdoing, but also because of flaws that have long existed within the socio-economic system,” the Minister said.

He added that transforming prisons would also require addressing wider social problems.

“We cannot transform prisons into pristine institutions without changing society itself. Instead of driving an individual released from prison back into a life of crime, it is crucial to equip them with the skills needed to rebuild their lives,” he said.