Family demands medical care for fisherman in Sri Lankan jail

The fisherman identified as Remsis was arrested on October 11 and was lodged at the Vavuniya prison. Four days before, he had managed to get a mobile phone in Vavuniya prison and had informed his family members that he was sick and was not being given proper treatment. 

Remsis had also informed the family that the medicines given in the prison were not effective and he was not taken to the hospital outside the prison despite suffering from high fever for more than three days. On Wednesday, he was taken to the Vavuniya Court and his custody was extended till November 22. 

In the court, Remsis had once again obtained the phone from the officials working at Indian Embassy and had informed his family that he had still not received proper treatment. 

Nesrine, wife of Remsis, and his two children have expressed anguish at the attitude of the Sri Lankan jail authorities in treating a sick prisoner.

Addressing the media, Nesrine said that her husband has been suffering from fever for the past few days and despite that the Lankan government had done little to given him proper medical attention So, the state and Central governments should intervene and take immediate steps. They must provide medical care through the Indian Embassy, she urged. 

Sahaya Rani, mother-in-law of Remsis, said that he was the sole breadwinner for the family and the family is now suffering. Also, as the children are missing their father, their health condition is also not good. 

The Indian government should immediate provide proper medical care and take steps to release Remsis, said Sahaya Rani.