Grave concern at prisons as capacity exceeds by 200%

• over 29,000 inmates are occupying the prisons at present whereas all the prisons in the country could accommodate only 13,241 inmates

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The congestion in prisons has climbed up to 200 percent, compelling the prison authorities to take immediate action to address the concerns.   

According to the statistics issued by the Prisons Department, over 29,000 inmates are occupying the prisons at present whereas all the prisons in the country could accommodate only 13,241 inmates.  

This is the highest number since the pandemic during which congestion topped 32,000.   The 30 prisons located islandwide house nearly 19,000 suspects and 10,000 inmates.