another 159 have submitted petitions for appeals. The number of prison officers on duty was 555; no LTTE suspects were present that day. Following a discussion with all the officers-in-charge of the prison, the team of the Commission inspected conditions of the detainees. At the beginning, the kitchen was inspected. It was observed that the roof of the prison had been damaged due to turmoil that took place in the Welikada prison during the recent past and the kitchen activities were also affected as the roof had not been repaired since then. Secondly, discussions were specially held with prisoners sentenced to death. It was noted that due to detention of 5 prisoners in a single cell designed to keep 3 prisoners, contagious diseases had spread and due to lack of proper sunlight their eye sight had also become weak. Further, detention for longer period without effecting the death sentence had caused these prisoners a high degree of mental pressure. When health related issues were taken up, prisoners complained of insufficient stocks of drugs and reluctance shown by the authorities in transferring them to the National Hospital, even if it had been so required. The Commission made following recommendation on above matters;1. Authorities should take necessary measures to repair the kitchen roof of the Welikada Prison. 2. A suitable plan needed to be formulated to maintain favourable mental conditions of prisoners condemned to death and those detained for a long period. 3. Necessary steps should be taken to administer the prison hospital, in a proper manner. 28