IMPROVING SRI LANKA’S PRISONS SYSTEM Reducing Overcrowding and Helping Inmates Rebuild Their Lives (Brief Report)
The Sri Lankan prison system is in urgent need of comprehensive reform. Long neglected and marginalized, the system has deteriorated significantly, leading to severe challenges that undermine both the rights and dignity of prisoners. Despite the principle that “Prisoners are
Human Beings,” the reality within Sri Lanka’s prisons tells a different story, one of immense suffering and systemic failure. With the prison system on the verge of collapse, the Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners, a civil society organization dedicated to advocating for prisoners’ rights, presents this brief report to propose actionable reforms aimed at addressing these critical issues.
This brief report highlights the pressing need to tackle prison overcrowding, improve living conditions, and promote inmate rehabilitation. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing the rights and working conditions of prison officers, as their well-being is integral to the overall improvement of the prison system. Without prioritizing the rights of both prisoners and officers, sustainable reform cannot be achieved.
Key areas of focus include:
● Reducing overcrowding through immediate and long-term measures.
● Enhancing rehabilitation programs, including vocational training and mental health support.
● Strengthening accountability mechanisms and improving working conditions for prison officers.
● Aligning Sri Lanka’s prison policies with international standards, such as the UN Nelson Mandela Rules and Bangkok Rules.
The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners respectfully invites feedback, comments, and suggestions on this brief report. We believe that collaborative efforts between civil society, government authorities, and other stakeholders are essential to transforming Sri Lanka’s prison system into one that upholds human rights, ensures justice, and fosters rehabilitation.
Together, we can work towards a prison system that truly reflects the principle that “Prisoners are Human Beings” and create a more just and humane society for all.
Read the report here:
IMPROVING SRI LANKA’S PRISONS SYSTEM
