Rajeev Amarasuriya, President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, states that prisons in the country are currently overcrowded—holding three to four times their actual capacity—a situation that has subjected some inmates to inhumane and degrading conditions. Following an inspection visit to the New Magazine Prison in Welikada, he issued a statement emphasizing the urgent need for reforms to address severe prison overcrowding, improve facilities, and guarantee the right of inmates to access legal aid.
He participated in this inspection visit in conjunction with a legal aid camp organized by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the All-Island Prison Monitoring Board.
Commenting on the conditions within the prison, Rajeev Amarasuriya noted that the situation faced by individuals held in remand custody—who have not been convicted of any offense but are merely being held as suspects—is particularly distressing.
The President of the Bar Association further highlighted the importance of providing legal aid to those who lack the financial means to retain counsel, especially in situations where an individual's personal liberty is at stake. He stated that there are plans to further expand this legal aid program, which was initiated at the request of the Prison Monitoring Board.