Colombo (News1st): The government is exploring the possibility of releasing inmates over the age of 70. Additional Secretary to the Prisons Department Bandula Jayasinghe said inmates who have been charged with alcohol racketeering, inmates on death row and those serving life sentences will not be taken into consideration.

He added, those who have been jailed for minor crimes, and have completed 70 years of age, will be considered. Jayasinghe went onto note that around 70 such inmates currently exist.

A detailed report of those inmates will be obtained and given to the President.