Overcrowding in prisons increased by 250%: Prisons Commissioner tells COPA

News

Overcrowding in prisons has reached 259 percent while in some prisons it has increased by 300-400%, Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya told the Committee of Public Accounts (COPA) recently.

At the same meeting, Justice Ministry Secretary Wasantha Perera said although there is room only for 11,762 inmates in prisons, currently there are 26,791 inmates. Out of this 17,502 are remand prisoners and 10,470 are drug related offenders.

It was revealed that out of them 1309 of them are in prison for not being able to pay fines. Commissioner General of Prisons said rehabilitation work will be carried out in nine new centres due to the increased number of drug related offenders.

The Committee expressed dismay at the delay in the work as recommended by the Committee previously that a new Act be prepared in accordance with international standards to replace the existing Act establishing the Prisons Department.

The Committee was told that four of the 11 machines used to body check and check bags in prisons are not working while the machines are over a decade old. COPA Chairman Lasantha Alagiyawanna instructed officials to submit a plan regarding required machines for all prisons.

It was revealed that the 'jammer' that disables telephone signals in prisons, has affected phone signals in surrounding areas. The Committee advised to discuss the matter with the Sri Lanka Signal Corps as well as the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and to take necessary steps immediately.

Comments

Still No Comments Posted.

Leave Comments

Most Reviews

July 16, 2024

- 357 - 0

MP on open warrant turns up at school event

Mr. Ali Sabri Rahim, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Puttalam District whom an open warrant had been issued, attended a public ceremony at Al Aksha National School in Kalpitiya today (16) as the special guest of honor.

July 12, 2024

- 284 - 0

SC refuses interim order on Judges appointments

The Supreme Court today refused interim relief in an application filed by President’s Counsel Senaka Walgampaya seeking an Order from the Supreme Court compelling the President to appoint judges to fill the existing vacancies in the Court Of Appeal.

July 12, 2024

- 205 - 0

Gazette on new speed limit regulations to be issued within two weeks

July 18, 2024

- 190 - 0

Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena sent on compulsory leave

Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena has been sent on compulsory leave pending disciplinary investigation over his failure to prevent the Easter Sunday bombings.

July 12, 2024

- 187 - 0

Two underworld criminals arrested & brought to Sri Lanka

Two underworld criminals wanted for multiple crimes, including murder, were brought from Dubai to Sri Lanka, today (12).

July 19, 2024

- 179 - 0

President Orders Gazette Publication of 22nd Amendment

The 22nd amendment to the constitution dealing with the term of the President has been gazetted by order of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.