TOKYO (AFP): Japan on Tuesday (Aug 10) apologised for the death of a Sri Lankan woman in immigration detention and pledged to reform conditions in the system. Justice Minister Yoko Kamikawa said a report on the March death of 33-year-old Wishma Sandamali concluded she received inadequate treatment as her health deteriorated. "I express my heartfelt condolences to her mother and bereaved family, and my heartfelt apologies for (the) loss of this precious life in the detention centre," Kamikawa said. National broadcaster NHK said four officials at the detention centre were "reprimanded" over the death, but none were fired. In May, Japan's ruling lawmakers dropped a controversial push to change rules on handling asylum seekers and deportations after opposition pressure over Sandamali's death.
