The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is alarmed by the recurrence of prison unrest across the country which reflects long-standing structural weaknesses within Sri Lanka’s correctional system. CPA reiterates its previous call for a credible, independent, and transparent inquiry and deliverance of justice to victims following the Negombo prison riot which occurred on 05 – 06 July 2026. Since then, the media has reported unrest in the Mahara Prison and Magazine Prison in Colombo, Kuruwita Prison and the Pallansena Open Air Correctional Centre in Dalupotha, Negombo. Over twenty prisoners and eight prison officials have died in these incidents with more than a hundred injured and requiring medical treatment. These incidents highlight the urgent need for reforms that address prison overcrowding, inadequate staffing and longstanding deficiencies in prison security and management. It is incumbent on the government to initiate independent and credible investigations into all these instances and hold to account those responsible for the violence. Similarly, steps must be taken to hold those in decision making positions accountable for action or inaction that contributed to deaths, injury and the destruction of public property.
According to Government sources, Sri Lanka’s prisons currently hold more than 40,000 inmates despite having capacity for only around 10,000. Such conditions inevitably heighten tensions, undermine safety, and increase the risk of violence. The unfortunate events of recent weeks is a reminder of the persistent socio-economic inequalities faced by sections of society and the inadequate resources to address long standing issues.
CPA notes that the United Nations, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, human rights organisations religious organizations and prison reform advocates have consistently called for comprehensive reforms, including measures to reduce overcrowding, strengthen rehabilitation services, modernise prison infrastructure, and improve oversight and accountability within the correctional system. Whilst CPA notes the discussions held in July by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection on developing a systemic programme to reduce prison overcrowding and inmate density, the recurring violence highlights the need to prioritise this matter, implement critical reforms and other action.
CPA further highlights the urgent need to review laws and policies that rely excessively on incarceration as a response to complex social issues and contribute significantly to prison overcrowding. In particular, the criminalisation of drug use has imposed a substantial burden on Sri Lanka’s prisons without delivering effective public health outcomes, an issue that has been raised by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health. CPA reiterates this call for a comprehensive health-based approach to drug use, including evidence-based treatment, harm reduction, rehabilitation, and alternatives to imprisonment for minor drug-related offences.
Finally, CPA notes with concern reports that individuals and organisations working on detainee rights and prison conditions have faced threats and harassment because of their work. The State has a duty to ensure that they can carry out their legitimate activities free from intimidation, reprisals, or arbitrary restrictions. Protecting civic space is essential to promoting transparency, safeguarding the rights of persons deprived of liberty, and supporting sustainable prison reform grounded in the rule of law.