The Government is pursuing legal reforms that could allow certain individuals to serve their sentences under house arrest instead of being imprisoned, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today (01).
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing at the Department of Government Information, Jayatissa said discussions on the proposed changes are already underway, with legislation being drafted to give effect to several judicial reforms.
He said the proposed measures form part of a wider effort to address challenges within Sri Lanka’s justice and prison systems.
Among the reforms under consideration is a mechanism to reduce overcrowding in prisons by permitting eligible individuals to serve sentences outside prison under house arrest.
The Government is also looking at measures to speed up reports issued by the Government Analyst’s Department, as delays in such reports can affect the progress of legal proceedings.
According to Jayatissa, legal changes are also being considered to provide bail to individuals who are unable to secure release due to difficulties in meeting existing bail requirements.
The Minister said these proposals are being pursued alongside broader reforms to the judicial system.
He added that a proposal to increase the retirement age of judges is also being examined as part of the wider judicial reform programme.
The proposed changes are currently at the discussion and legislative drafting stage, and further legal steps would be required before they can take effect.
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