House Arrest system proposed to alleviate Prison congestion

• The current population stands at a staggering 29,000

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

In response to the dire issue of prison overcrowding, the government is in the process of formulating laws to introduce a house arrest procedure, as revealed during a session in Parliament. 

State Minister of Justice and Prisons, Anuradha Jayaratne, addressed concerns about prison congestion during discussions prompted by MP Imran Maharoof. Minister Jayaratne disclosed that while the maximum capacity of Sri Lankan prisons is 13,000 inmates, the current population stands at a staggering 29,000. As a strategic response, the government is actively considering the implementation of a house arrest system to alleviate the pressure on penitentiaries.

He elaborated, “We have taken steps to activate the Release of Remand Act No 08 of 1991. This legislation outlines the release of individuals accused of specific offences and held in detention under remand warrants.”
Moreover, Minister Jayaratne indicated the establishment of a committee tasked with formulating recommendations for a mechanism to grant special pardons through a thorough review process. This approach aims to address the overcrowding crisis while ensuring fairness and justice.