Nearly 1,000 prison escapes in last six years; 554 prisoners still at large

Colombo, Nov 27 (Daily Mirror) - Serious security lapses have been reported in Sri Lankan prisons, with 995 prisoners or suspects escaping custody over the past six years, and 554 of them still not rearrested, according to a recent audit.

The audit highlights that it is the duty of the Prisons Department to ensure the security and protection of all prisoners and remand inmates under the jurisdiction of Sri Lankan courts, while also rehabilitating and socializing them as responsible citizens.

The Accounting Officer stated that necessary steps will be taken in consultation with relevant divisions and through the use of modern technology to prevent future escapes.

The 2024 audit also revealed delays in the release of suspects who had paid bail.

In 11 prison institutions, 9,091 suspects were released a day after bail was paid, rather than immediately, as required by procedure. The Accounting Officer explained that while bail is granted promptly, actual release sometimes depends on court confirmations, and when orders are issued on Fridays, releases may occur the following Monday. The audit recommended that suspects be released on the same day bail is granted, in line with legal requirements.

Prison overcrowding remains a concern. Currently, Sri Lanka's prisons are designed to accommodate 10,350 inmates, but are housing nearly 37,000 individuals. This marks a staggering overcapacity of more than 250%.

Last year, 3,258 prisoners in 27 institutions were unable to pay minor fines, contributing significantly to congestion. The audit recommended that steps be taken to release eligible inmates under a suitable pardon to alleviate congestion.

Delays were also noted in releasing prisoners who had paid fines. In 17 institutions, 2,278 inmates were not released on the same day as their release orders.

The audit further revealed that 1,252 inmates across 21 institutions remained in custody despite being granted bail, with 55 of them on bail for over a year.

It was revealed that the delays were attributed to inmates’ inability to meet bail conditions, relatives failing to appear to post bail, and a lack of financial resources.

The audit recommended formal steps to coordinate with relevant institutions and reduce bail conditions to expedite the release of prisoners.