3,069 Prison Officials Lacked Firearms Training: Audit Report

A new report from Sri Lanka's National Audit Office has uncovered a significant lapse in security protocols within the prison system. According to the audit, 3,069 prison officials who interact with inmates have not received any firearms training. The audit office emphasized that such training is crucial for effectively managing prisoners and ensuring the safety and security of correctional facilities.

Despite the identified gap, the report indicated that firearms training was provided to 2,389 officials between 2018 and 2025. However, the lack of training for a substantial number of personnel raises concerns about the preparedness of the prison service to handle potential security threats or emergencies.

The audit also shed light on disciplinary issues within the department, detailing the cases of 601 prison officials implicated in various allegations. Among these, 149 were suspended, 28 were dismissed, 28 resigned, 23 had their service terminated, and eight were sent on compulsory leave. These findings are part of the audit report included in the Prison Department's 2025 annual report, highlighting ongoing challenges in personnel management and operational readiness.