The number of inmates in Sri Lanka’s prisons has declined significantly following measures taken to ease prison overcrowding, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara stated.

According to the Minister, the prison population, which stood at 41,993 as of July 1, 2026 had dropped to 36,925 by September 30, 2026.

He made these remarks while speaking in Parliament today (22).

The Minister said the Government had accelerated the issuance of Government Analyst’s reports by filling vacancies and strengthening the staff of the relevant department, addressing delays that had been a major factor contributing to prison overcrowding.

He noted that a total of 1,506 Government Analyst’s reports had been issued in August and September alone.

According to the Minister, proposed legislative amendments will require the Government Analyst’s Department to submit the relevant report within two months of receiving an item for analysis.

The proposed amendments will also empower magistrates to authorize the prompt destruction of drug consignments, subject to court conditions, rather than requiring the entire consignment to be retained until the conclusion of a case. Photographs and, where necessary, video recordings of the consignments will be taken, and the magistrate will be informed before such action is taken.

The Minister further stated that the legal amendments would ensure that these procedures are carried out lawfully without prejudicing the fundamental rights of the accused or suspects, or their right to a fair trial.