Tearful Truth Unveiled by Prime Minister Harini

38 children living in prisons with their mothers during the first eight months of 2025 – Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya revealed that 38 women have been incarcerated with their children during the first eight months of 2025.

Responding to a question raised in Parliament today (08), the Prime Minister stated that a total of 38 children currently reside in prisons alongside their mothers — 15 boys and 23 girls.

She further noted that childcare centres have been established within women’s prison facilities to provide care for children under the age of five who are detained with their mothers. These centres are located separately from the general inmate population, allowing the children to spend meaningful time with their mothers in a safe and supportive environment.

Commenting on the welfare of these children, the Prime Minister said that, in addition to the standard meals provided to inmates, infants and young children are supplied with milk powder and light daily meals through the prison canteen system to ensure proper nutrition.

Addressing the matter of early childhood education for these children, Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted that a private organisation has been supporting the operation of an Early Childhood Development Centre within the prison system for nearly a decade, providing educational opportunities for the children living there.