The government has already taken steps to address prison overcrowding, Justice Minister says

The government has initiated a series of structural, legal and administrative measures to resolve severe prison overcrowding, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara has said.

Speaking in the aftermath of unrest at multiple prison facilities this week, the Minister said 70 new staff members have been recruited to the Government Analysts Department to clear the backlog of forensic reports – one of the main reasons attributed to the overcrowding of prison facilities.

He said the government was also in the process of expanding prison facilities and amending the bail law, to streamline legal proceedings.

Context

Recent incidents of unrest at prison facilities – including Negombo, Magazine Prison, Mahara, and Kuruwita – have brought the overcrowding of the country’s prison system into focus.

Official reports indicate that Sri Lanka’s prison network accommodates nearly four times its intended capacity, with approximately 70% of the total inmate population comprised of pre-trial suspects.

The Minister acknowledged that the government’s ongoing nationwide campaign against the illicit narcotic trade has directly accelerated the influx of prisoners.

Measures

The government has estimated that with the recruitments and the new machinery and equipment, the Government Analysts Department can issue between 7,500 to 9,000 reports a month.

The minister also said amendments were being prepared to the law surrounding bail application.

This would allow for bail applications for certain drug offences to be made at the High Court, instead of Court of Appeal as currently required.