January 06, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Prisons Department is grappling with a severe shortage of staff, with reports indicating a deficit of 1,800 prison officers.
This shortfall has placed considerable strain on the department’s ability to conduct essential operations, including security checks and inmate searches.
Gamini B. Dissanayake, the spokesperson for the Prisons Department, highlighted that the lack of personnel has notably hindered the effectiveness of search operations within the country’s correctional facilities.
These operations are crucial for maintaining security and preventing the introduction of contraband, including illegal drugs and weapons, into prisons.
In addition to the staffing issues, the Prisons Department is also contending with a serious overcrowding problem.
According to Dissanayake, the current inmate population across Sri Lanka’s prisons has soared to a staggering 300 per cent of their intended capacity.
This overcrowding has further compounded the challenges faced by prison authorities, creating an environment that is both unsafe and difficult to manage.
To address these pressing issues, the Prisons Department has put forward proposals to introduce technological solutions to help with the screening and monitoring of inmates.
The hope is that advanced technology will enable more efficient management of prison resources, assist in maintaining security, and reduce the burden on already overstretched staff.
