Sri Lankan Parliamentary Committee Proposes Reforms to Combat Prison Overcrowding

A Sri Lankan parliamentary committee has proposed several measures to address severe prison overcrowding, including expediting forensic reports for remand prisoners and diverting minor drug offenders to rehabilitation. The committee also emphasized the need for legal amendments to allow virtual court appearances and alternative sentencing for minor and vulnerable inmates.

Key facts

• A parliamentary committee in Sri Lanka is addressing severe prison overcrowding.
• Key proposals include expediting forensic reports for remand prisoners, especially those on drug charges.
• The committee suggests diverting minor drug offenders to rehabilitation centers instead of imprisonment.
• Legal amendments are sought to allow virtual court appearances.
• Alternative sentencing for minor offenders and vulnerable inmates is also being considered.

Sources

• Ada Derana Sinhala