Temporary Detention Centers to Tackle Prison Overcrowding

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Prisons has announced plans to construct temporary detention centers across the country to manage the growing number of inmates, as Sri Lanka’s prison system faces an unprecedented overcrowding crisis.

Currently, the nation’s prisons are designed to accommodate 10,350 inmates, but are housing nearly 37,000 individuals, according to official figures. 

This marks a staggering overcapacity of more than 250%.

Officials attribute the surge in incarcerations primarily to continuous drug-related arrests happening island-wide. The majority of those imprisoned fall within the 30 to 40 age group, indicating a troubling trend among working-age adults.

The Department of Prisons emphasized that the temporary facilities are a short-term measure aimed at easing pressure on existing infrastructure while long-term reforms are considered.