Centre for Human Rights Research places blame squarely on failure of authorities to manage overcrowding

The Centre for Human Rights Research (CHR) Sri Lanka has harshly criticized the Government and officials for not managing the persistent overcrowding in Sri Lanka’s prisons, leading to a tragic prison riot. According to CPRP Sri Lanka, the latest outbreak left several inmates dead and injured at Mahara Prison, with prison officers firing and preventing the wounded from getting help. Initial reports suggested one death and multiple injuries, but the true casualty count appears to be higher.

The statement highlights that the prison was holding over 4,100 inmates, far exceeding its approved capacity. Similar overcrowding is present in other prisons, with Welikada, Colombo Remand, Magazine, and Negombo prisons holding several times their designated capacity. A report by the National Audit Office reveals that 15,117 suspects remain in custody due to delays in receiving government analyst reports, while 1,940 inmates are detained solely for unpaid fines. The audit office attributes these issues to systemic failures in judicial and forensic processes.

CHR Sri Lanka emphasizes that the crisis stems from avoidable delays in judicial and forensic processes and inadequate management. The situation has led to extreme tension, life-threatening conditions, and undermined humane prison management. Despite some releases and construction plans, the Ministry of Justice has failed to implement urgent measures following the Negombo tragedy where approximately 30 people, including prison officials, lost their lives and hundreds were injured.

The tragic occurrences at Negombo and Mahara Prison indicate a systemic failure of prison administration and a grave dereliction of the State’s responsibility to protect the right to life of inmates and prison staff.