Sri Lanka, July 9 -- Although the capacity of prisons across the country is 12,000, approximately 33,000 inmates are being held at present, according to Prisons Media Spokesman Jagath Weerasinghe.

Speaking at a press conference held in Colombo today (09), he stated that there is also a shortage of prison officers within the department at present.

Commissioner of Prisons (Rehabilitation) and Prison Media Spokesman Jagath Weerasinghe said that they are facing numerous challenges as nearly 33,000 inmates are being held in custody despite the capacity of the 36 institutions under the Department of Prisons is 12,000.

He also noted that 65% of them are incarcerated due to drug-related offenses.

The Prison Media Spokesman emphasised the impo...