Prison population surges to 35,000, says Commissioner

Sri Lanka’s prison population has soared past 35,000, nearly triple the system’s intended capacity, according to Commissioner of Prisons and Media Spokesman Jagath Weerasinghe.

Weerasinghe told the media that while the total capacity of the island’s prisons stands at approximately 12,000, the number of inmates currently held exceeds 35,000.

He noted that the government now spends nearly Rs. 1,000 per inmate per day to provide meals, beverages, and basic amenities, placing a significant financial burden on the state.

Highlighting a major concern, Weerasinghe said nearly half of all inmates are incarcerated on drug-related charges.

He called for urgent reforms, suggesting that individuals charged with drug use should be diverted from incarceration and instead be placed in rehabilitation programmes.

“The Department of Prisons has already initiated a rehabilitation-focused programme,” he said, adding that further expansion could lead to more effective outcomes in tackling drug dependency and easing prison overcrowding.