📊 Sri Lanka Prison Population Drops 12% Amid Justice Reforms

• Overall Figures: Total inmate population fell by 12% (5,068 inmates) from 41,993 on July 1 to 36,925 by September 30, following targeted government measures to reduce overcrowding. • Government Analyst Sector: Bureaucratic delays identified as a major driver of overcrowding. Workforce expansion led to 1,506 reports issued in August and September. Proposed amendments will mandate a strict 2-month deadline for issuing examination reports. • Legal & Administrative Reform: Proposed legislation allows prompt destruction of seized narcotics after photograph/video documentation and Magistrate approval, eliminating the need to retain full evidence packages until trials conclude while safeguarding fair trial rights.