Prison inmates doubled

Some prisons have exceeded its capacity by 300% 

• Majority detained over drug-related charges

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Although the maximum number of inmates that can be held in the prisons across the island is about 13,200, the prisons across the country are currently accommodating twice the maximum capacity, Prisons Department said.  Prisons Spokesman Chandana Ekanayake said that some prisons have exceeded its capacity by 300%. 

 According to the statistical of the Department, the number of prisoners who are detained over various charges has gradually increased with the beginning of this year and as of November 25, more than 26,000 inmates are being crammed in prisons across the country.

The spokesman said that around 74% of the inmates who were detained last year was for drug-related offenses.   

The prisoners detained on drug-related charges are 4,600 (34%) while the number of suspects over the same charges is 8,700 (65%).  
Ekanayake said that most of the inmates in prison, 62% are suspects.   

According to the data, the number of prisoners and suspects detained on drug-related charges has exceeded 50% compared to the total number of inmates.