The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection has called for stronger drug rehabilitation programmes as a measure to reduce overcrowding in prisons across the country.

The issue was discussed at a Committee meeting in Parliament chaired by Member of Parliament Dr. Najith Indika.

Officials from the Department of Prisons, Department of Community Based Corrections, Bureau of Rehabilitation and the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board briefed the Committee on rehabilitation programmes currently being implemented, according to a statement issued by the Department of Communication of Parliament.

Prison officials said 1,506 of the 4,962 inmates convicted of drug-related offences are currently undergoing rehabilitation. The programmes are available to inmates referred by courts as well as those who voluntarily seek rehabilitation.

Officials noted that existing resources are insufficient to provide rehabilitation opportunities to all inmates serving sentences for various offences.

The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board said measures are being taken to expand rehabilitation services, recruit additional staff and strengthen programmes at the Divisional Secretariat level across the country.

The Committee also discussed challenges faced by rehabilitated individuals, including social acceptance and difficulties in obtaining certificates of good character.

Members stressed the need to amend relevant laws and regulations to strengthen and improve the rehabilitation process, the statement added further.