Sajin contracts breathing problems in prison

Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva yesterday announced in Parliament that United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Sajin de Vaas Gunawardane, who is in remand custody, had developed breathing difficulties after the Prison authorities denied him the use of his inhaler.

Silva raised this matter in Parliament yesterday, stating that Gunawardane had also been deprived of his privilege to attend Parliament. 

“As a Parliamentarian, Gunawardane is entitled to attend the sessions. Yet, arrangements have not been made for him to do so. He is suffering from a breathing ailment and a medical device has been prescribed for his regular use to control the ailment. However, he has been denied this remedy by the Prison authorities,” Silva said.

Meanwhile UPFA MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage said Gunawardane had got red patches on his body because of the lack of medical treatment for his illness.

“We visited him in the Remand Prison and saw the red patches. It might get worse if his inhaler is not made available to him,” Aluthgamage pointed out. 

In response, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said the matter would be looked into.