2961 prisoners released on bail : PMD

COLOMBO (News 1st): 2,961 prisoners have been released on bail following recommendations from the special committee appointed by the President to address overcrowding in prisons. The President's Media Division said these persons were released from remand custody in several stages from the 17th of March to date. Commissioner General of Prisons T. M. J. W Tennakoon said, these measures were taken, following a decision taken by the government to prevent the spread of COVID19. Those who have been released, are those who have been convicted of committing minor, bailable offenses and those who have been unable to post bail. The Commissioner-General added, that whilst the capacity of the prison system is about 10,000, the country's prisons currently house over 26,000 inmates.