Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the government’s objective is to reduce the number of people imprisoned in the country.

He made these remarks while attending the 27th Prisoners’ Day ceremony held recently, where he praised the service provided by the Prisoners’ Welfare Association for the wellbeing of inmates.

The Minister highlighted the serious issue of overcrowding in prisons, stressing that it is the government’s duty to ensure adequate facilities to safeguard prisoners’ human rights.

He emphasized that reducing the prison population and creating a humane correctional environment are key priorities. “All people are equal before the law, and as a government, we are committed to upholding the supremacy of the rule of law and building a country based on equality,” Nanayakkara said.

Meanwhile, to mark Prisoners’ Welfare Day, spiritual, cultural, health, sports, and legal counseling programs were organized for inmates across all 28 prisons in Sri Lanka.

At the event, scholarships were awarded to children of prisoners, self-employed inmates received equipment, and Prisoners’ Day flags were displayed.