Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara says steps will be taken to restore the possibility of seeking bail from the High Court for certain drug-related offences.
He made these remarks while issuing a special statement regarding the recent incidents reported at several prisons across the country.
The Minister noted that delays in obtaining bail have occurred as cases involving drugs exceeding 10 grams in net weight are currently referred to the Court of Appeal for bail consideration.
He said that one of the main concerns raised by inmates over the past year was the delay in obtaining bail due to delays in receiving Government Analyst’s Department reports.
“Over the past year, we identified this issue and took necessary measures to address it. There were 118 vacancies within the Government Analyst’s Department, which affected the timely issuance of reports. As a result, some inmates had to remain in remand custody for nearly a year until the reports were received,” Minister Nanayakkara said.
He added that steps have already been taken to recruit around 70 additional staff members required to expedite the process, while new equipment is also expected to be introduced this month.
Accordingly, the Government Analyst’s Department is expected to increase its capacity to issue between 7,500 and 9,000 reports per month in the future, he said.
The Minister further stated that amendments to the existing law will be presented to the Cabinet to allow suspects arrested over certain drug offence to seek bail from the High Court instead of having to go through the Court of Appeal process.
Meanwhile, addressing inmates and their families, Minister Nanayakkara urged them to remain patient, claiming that certain individuals with ulterior motives are attempting to create unrest by influencing prisoners.
“Your concerns will be addressed. Do not act in a manner that destroys your own resources. If facilities provided by the Government are set on fire due to the intentions of a few individuals, the ones who suffer will be the inmates themselves,” he said.
He stressed that the Government is taking steps to expedite Government Analyst’s Department reports, improve prison facilities and reduce overcrowding.
“The Government is working to provide bail opportunities by speeding up reports and amending the law. Support these efforts and do not allow yourselves to be manipulated by the interests of a small group,” the Minister added.
