Construction of Central Prison Complex to begin this month
Construction of the Central Prison Complex in Uthuru Thila Falhu is scheduled to begin this month, as announced by Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan. The project aims to centralize prison services, replacing the current system of prisons spread across different islands, and to provide rehabilitation-focused services under one roof. Some prisons are expected to be relocated to the new facility within two years. The government also plans to amend the law so prisoners can reduce their sentence by one day for each day spent in rehabilitation programs, with the amendment expected within three months. Additionally, Hope Island will be developed as a rehabilitation center for juvenile offenders. About 30 hectares of land will be reclaimed for the prison complex, which will include a residential unit, drug rehabilitation facility, halfway house, education and training facility, a mosque for 1,000 people, medical facility, and other support services.