Ranjan detained in a separate cell

By Kumudu Upul Shantha

The Prisons Department detained SJB MP Ranjan Ramanayake in a separate cell at the Pallansena Quarantine Centre with heightened security, to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine period, after the Supreme Court (SC) convicted him of Contempt of Court on Tuesday (12).

He was sentenced to four years rigorous imprisonment. Prisons Department Spokesman, Chandana Ekanayake, said outside meals were not welcome in his case.

He added visits by relatives have been suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak and no visitors are allowed. Ekanayake said Ramanayake will undergo a PCR test after 14 days, and will be detained at Welikada or another prison, if the report is negative.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Prison Reforms, said Ramanayake will only serve two years and eight months. The Ministry said annual prison terms that are imposed on inmates are calculated as eight months, hence, one year and four months will be reduced from the sentence.

Media Secretary of the Ministry, Madhawa Weerasinghe, said this relief is not granted to inmates whose conduct is not beyond reproach.