Parliament committee focuses on easing prison congestion

Steps to minimise high congestion within the Sri Lankan prison system, elevate administrative efficiency, and implement long-term solutions for prison-related issues were extensively discussed at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on State Governance, Justice and Civil Protection which met in Parliament recently under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament Dr Najith Indika.

Attention focused on steps to be taken for expanding prison infrastructure, constructing new buildings, renovating existing facilities, filling vacancies, and managing inmates efficiently.

Furthermore, discussions centred on making new recruitments to minimise the human resource shortage in the Prisons Department, amending recruitment procedures to suit service requirements, and improving the working conditions of prison officers.

The necessity to increase the capacity of the Government Analyst's Department, acquire modern technological equipment, and expedite the investigation process to minimise delays in issuing Government Analyst reports for drug-related cases was also emphasised.

The committee highlighted the importance of operating with proper coordination among the judiciary, police, Prisons Department, and other relevant institutions, considering the control of prison congestion not merely as an administrative matter but as a matter of national importance.