During a meeting with Minister Moragoda who visited the Matara prisons on inspection, the Prison Superintendent pointed out that congestion and poor ventilation caused lung ailments and TB among prisoners. The prison officials put forward several issues affecting them. They highlighted the delay of promotions, lack of firearm training to tackle situations created by underworld gangsters on remand, and poor welfare facilities. The minister stressed that steps would be taken to promote 75 percent of the Jail Guards and the Overseers as Jailors under a policy decision taken recently. The minister looked into the problems facing the prisoners as well. Minister of Mass Communications Luxman Yapa Abeywardene and Commissioner General of Prisons Major General V.R. de Silva joined the inspection tour.