Opposition MP Chamindrani Kiriella yesterday (19 Jan) raised a series of questions in Parliament to Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, regarding the current state of prisons in Sri Lanka.
The MP first inquired about the situation at Pallekele, Dumbara Prison, to which the Justice Minister said that as of January 4, 2026, the facility housed 2,246 inmates, including 107 women and 2,139 men, despite having an approved capacity of only 699.
Pointing out that out of 37,761 inmates nationwide, 27,000 are remand prisoners who have not yet been convicted, MP Kiriella suggested that Sri Lanka consider mechanisms such as general amnesty for first‑time offenders or those with good conduct, and referenced South Africa’s bail fund for those unable to pay bail.
Responding, Minister Nanayakkara acknowledged severe overcrowding across the prison system, including Dumbara.
“Already, through the community correction system, in the past year alone, about 17,000 individuals were kept under supervision without being remanded, thereby reducing congestion. We will continue this this year as well. At present, voluntary organizations are coming forward to pay fines for those unable to do so, and we provide the necessary facilities. The main cause of congestion is those remanded for drug‑related offences. Fine payments alone do not reduce overcrowding. Solutions lie within my Ministry. For this, forensic reports are being expedited. Approval has been granted to recruit 50 personnel to the Government Analyst’s Department, and arrangements are being made to recruit another 32. I expect to establish a system to issue forensic reports within three months. Bail cannot be expedited without expediting forensic reports. Measures are being taken to reduce prison congestion,” the Justice Minister said.
MP Kiriella further raised concerns about rehabilitation, noting that of the 37,000 inmates, around 30,000 are drug‑related prisoners. She pointed out that although Rs. 500 million was allocated for rehabilitation in the 2025 budget, financial progress was only about 1%. For 2026, Rs. 1,000 million has been allocated, amounting to roughly Rs. 300 per inmate, which she argued was insufficient.
Minister Nanayakkara responded that while her concerns were valid, clarification was needed.
“The 27,000 remand prisoners cannot be rehabilitated. The Rehabilitation Division, previously under the Ministry of Justice, has been gazetted under the Ministry of Public Security, since that Ministry also undertakes rehabilitation. Therefore, both ministries together carry out rehabilitation programs. These days, with the government’s anti‑drug program, about 700 individuals are taken into custody on some days, and most are referred to voluntary rehabilitation centres. There is no shortage of funds for rehabilitation. The President has instructed that if funds are insufficient, allocations will be made. Both the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Public Security have adequate funds for rehabilitation activities,” Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara explained. (Newswire)