Prison Overcrowding to Be Reduced Within One-and-a-Half Months: Justice Minister

30-Aug-2026

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Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has said prison overcrowding is expected to be reduced within the next one to one-and-a-half months, as the Government has taken steps to expedite the process of issuing reports from the Government Analyst’s Department.

Speaking to the media after visiting the Anuradhapura Prison, the Minister said around 23,000 remand prisoners linked to drug-related allegations were being held due to delays in obtaining reports from the Government Analyst.

Seventy new officers have been recruited to the Government Analyst’s Department to expedite the issuance of reports, while three new analytical machines have also been procured.

As a result, around 400 to 500 reports are currently being issued daily. The Government has also established a joint mechanism in all prisons to ensure the safety and rights of inmates and to protect their lives and property, he said.