16 prisoners at the Galle Prison released on bail

COLOMBO (News1st): Sixteen prisoners, serving sentences for committing minor offences were released on bail from the Galle Prison yesterday (March 25). Galle Chief Magistrate Harshana Kekunuwala during a hearing conducted through the use of Skype technology, ordered the release of 14 males and two females. Our correspondent stated that this measure was taken to avoid crowding in prisons in the backdrop of the COVID - 19. Meanwhile, the Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners wrote to the President today seeking the release of certain prisoners, citing congestion of prisons in the country. The prisoners' rights group also sought immediate measures such as preventing the detention of people at police stations unless absolutely necessary, and to pardon those imprisoned due to the failure to pay a fine. It further requested the President requesting an early unconditional release of those who have been sentenced to less than six months.