Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara stated that approximately 1,454 prisoners currently held in the country’s prisons are incarcerated due to their inability to pay fines. He added that the government is prepared to accept assistance from state and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should they come forward to pay these fines and secure the release of these individuals.
Responding to a question raised by Member of Parliament Rohitha Abeygunawardena, the Minister informed Parliament that several organizations and institutions are already implementing programs to pay fines on behalf of selected prisoners. He further noted that any state or non-governmental organization may pay such fines to facilitate the release of eligible prisoners.
The Minister also emphasized that the Department of Prisons has not imposed any obstacles or restrictions regarding such initiatives. The Minister stated that among those unable to pay their fines, 421 prisoners are incarcerated due to an inability to pay fines ranging between 10,000 and 15,000 rupees, while another 220 prisoners are imprisoned because they could not pay fines between 15,000 and 25,000 rupees.
Furthermore, 361 prisoners are incarcerated due to an inability to pay fines between 25,000 and 50,000 rupees, and 245 prisoners remain in custody with outstanding fines ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 rupees. The Minister further noted that another 207 prisoners are incarcerated because they are unable to pay fines exceeding 100,000 rupees.