A total of 1,454 convicted prisoners remain in prisons across Sri Lanka because they are unable to pay court-imposed fines, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament today (21).
The Minister disclosed the figures in response to a question raised by MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena about prisoners held for failing to pay fines and measures to facilitate their release.
According to the figures presented, 421 prisoners owe fines of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000, while 220 owe between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 25,000.
Another 361 prisoners owe between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000, while 245 owe between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 100,000. A further 207 prisoners remain in custody over unpaid fines exceeding Rs. 100,000.
The Minister also told Parliament that prisons currently hold 10,611 convicted prisoners and 28,408 remand prisoners.
Responding to a question about assistance for prisoners unable to pay their fines, Nanayakkara said various organisations and institutions were already paying fines on behalf of selected prisoners to facilitate their release.
He added that the Department of Prisons does not prevent government or non-governmental organisations from paying fines on behalf of eligible prisoners, provided the relevant legal requirements are met.