A new report by the National Audit Office has revealed that 3,371 prisoners remain in custody because they are unable to pay court-imposed fines or meet bail requirements, contributing significantly to prison overcrowding.
According to the report, 1,940 inmates across 28 prisons are being detained due to their inability to pay fines, while another 1,431 prisoners in 21 prisons remain behind bars because they cannot fulfil bail conditions. Of these, 325 individuals have remained in custody for more than five months despite being granted bail.
The audit notes that the prolonged detention of these prisoners has worsened overcrowding in prisons and increased the risk of unrest and disturbances within correctional facilities.
Prison authorities also pointed out that the government incurs substantial annual costs to provide food, accommodation and other basic necessities for inmates who remain in custody solely because of financial constraints.
In addition to financial difficulties, the report found that the inability to meet bail conditions and the absence of family members or relatives to assist prisoners are among the key reasons for their extended detention.
Responding to the findings, a senior prison official said such cases are frequently encountered and that discussions are underway to identify practical solutions.
The Department of Prisons also stated that special attention is given to prisoners in these circumstances and that eligible inmates are considered for release when presidential pardons are granted.
Source – Lankadeepa News Paper
