Prisons across the country are confronting a critical challenge as an overwhelming number of individuals find themselves crammed into limited spaces. The situation has been exacerbated by intensified police operations, resulting in the apprehension of over 10,000 suspects in a recent crackdown on drug-related and underworld activities.
Recent data from the Prisons Department reveals a staggering statistic – 30,000 inmates are currently detained across 30 prisons nationwide, far surpassing the intended capacity of approximately 13,000 inmates for these facilities.
Compounding the issue, more than half of the incarcerated individuals are awaiting trial, languishing behind bars due to delays in the legal process.
In response to the surge in arrests stemming from the recent island-wide police operation targeting serious crimes, particularly drug possession, the Public Security Ministry has indicated that individuals accused of minor offences might be released on police bail.
Despite the prisons being originally designed to accommodate around 13,000 inmates, they currently house double that number. To address the overcrowding crisis, Prisons spokesman Gamini Dissanayake stated that officials are actively seeking temporary space within the existing facilities for suspects slated for short-term detention. Additionally, some inmates are being relocated to prison camps to alleviate pressure on conventional prisons.
Simultaneously, authorities are diligently working to expedite the release of individuals held for minor offences following their court hearings. The concerted efforts aim to mitigate the strain on the prison system and ensure a more efficient and just legal process.
