President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), Rajeev Amarasuriya, has raised serious concerns over prison overcrowding in Sri Lanka, revealing that facilities designed to accommodate approximately 11,000 inmates currently hold nearly 40,000.
He further revealed that nearly 30,000 prisoners are being held on remand, while almost two-thirds of the prison population are detained in connection with drug-related offences.
Amarasuriya made these remarks today (30), addressing the ceremonial sitting held to welcome Justices Lakmali Karunanayake, Nawarathne Marasinghe and Manjula Tilakaratne to the Court of Appeal.
Referring to a recent visit to the New Magazine Prison in Welikada during a legal aid camp organised by the BASL, Amarasuriya described the conditions he witnessed as appalling and, for many prisoners, inhumane and degrading.
He stressed that the situation highlighted the importance of due process, preventing delays in legal proceedings and upholding the presumption of innocence.
Amarasuriya pointed out that every decision to deprive an individual of liberty before trial carries serious consequences, adding that judges, lawyers and the State share responsibility in this regard.
While acknowledging recent efforts by the Minister of Justice and National Integration and the Ministry Secretary to address prison overcrowding, he expressed hope that the initiatives would produce meaningful results.
“Imprisonment may deprive a person of liberty, but it must never deprive them of human dignity,” he said.
Meanwhile, addressing the newly appointed Court of Appeal judges, the BASL President emphasised the importance of judicial independence, courage and the timely delivery of justice.
He noted that the Court of Appeal plays a crucial role in addressing grievances brought by citizens against the State and safeguarding public confidence in the rule of law.
Amarasuriya warned that excessive reliance on procedural technicalities, without addressing the underlying grievances of litigants, could undermine public trust in the justice system.
He further stressed that judges must remain independent, particularly when faced with political pressure, public expectations or unpopular decisions.
The BASL President also highlighted the professional achievements and contributions of the three newly appointed Court of Appeal judges, extending the Bar Association’s support and cooperation as they assumed their new responsibilities.
Full statement : 30-10-2026 Ceramonial Sitting Speech (Newswire)