The government has taken measures to expedite the issuance of Government Analyst’s reports to address delays that have contributed to prison overcrowding, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara said.
Addressing Parliament today (22), the Minister revealed that 1,506 Government Analysts’ reports had been issued during August and September alone, following measures to strengthen the department’s workforce and fill existing vacancies.
He explained that delays in obtaining Government Analyst’s reports had been identified as one of the main factors contributing to overcrowding in prisons.
The Minister further stated that under proposed legislative amendments, the Government Analyst will be required to issue the relevant report within two months of receiving an item for examination.
Meanwhile, Minister Nanayakkara revealed that the number of prison inmates had decreased significantly following measures introduced to address overcrowding.
According to the Minister, the prison population had declined from 41,993 on July 1 to 36,925 by September 30, marking a reduction of 5,068 inmates.
He also outlined proposed legal amendments concerning the handling of narcotics seized as evidence in criminal cases.
Under the proposed changes, instead of retaining entire packages of narcotics until the conclusion of court proceedings, authorities will be permitted to photograph and, where necessary, video-record the substances before informing the relevant Magistrate.
The Magistrate will then be empowered to authorise the prompt destruction of the narcotics, subject to conditions imposed by the court.
Minister Nanayakkara emphasised that the proposed amendments are intended to ensure that these procedures are carried out lawfully, without affecting the fundamental rights of suspects or accused persons, including their right to a fair trial. (Newswire)