When people think about crime and punishment in Sri Lanka, attention often stops at the prison gates. But inside the prisons themselves, a different kind of lawlessness takes place—prison offences committed by inmates already serving their sentences. These offences not only undermine institutional discipline but also obstruct the broader goals of rehabilitation and correction.
Prison offences are violations committed by inmates within correctional facilities. These are governed primarily by the Prisons Ordinance (Chapter 54) of Sri Lanka, which outlines the duties of inmates, rules of conduct, and disciplinary procedures. The main legislative sources addressing prison offences include the Prisons Ordinance (Cap. 54), the Prison Rules of 1956 (issued under Section 94 of the Ordinance), the Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. 15 of 1979, and the Penal Code of Sri Lanka. Together, these laws define both minor and serious offences committed in prison and the process for handling them.
Based on statutory provisions and administrative records, common offences inside Sri Lankan prisons include assaulting prison officers or fellow inmates, possessing unauthorized items such as mobile phones, drugs, or weapons, attempting to escape, refusing to obey lawful orders, engaging in self-harm or hunger strikes, and inciting disorder or gang activity among inmates.
Disciplinary action is managed under Section 78 of the Prisons Ordinance, which allows prison superintendents to conduct inquiries and issue punishments. These can include solitary confinement, loss of remission, reduction in food or privileges, or in serious cases, referral to the courts for criminal prosecution. There are also limited mechanisms in place for appeal and oversight to ensure fairness in these decisions.
Although the legal framework exists, several underlying problems make enforcement challenging. Overcrowding is a major concern, with many prisons operating well beyond their intended capacity. This creates a tense environment and raises the likelihood of conflict. Corruption and the smuggling of contraband, often with the assistance of staff, exacerbate the problem by allowing criminal activity to continue unchecked. Mental health issues among inmates are also widespread and rarely addressed, contributing to self-harm and violence. Furthermore, a large portion of the prison population consists of remandees who are still awaiting trial, yet are often held alongside convicted criminals, creating further disorder.
The consequences of such offences are significant. They hinder rehabilitation efforts, increase management costs, strengthen criminal networks inside prisons, and erode public trust in the system. When prisons become hubs of continued crime rather than spaces for transformation, the justice system fails in its duty not just to punish, but to reform.
To address these challenges, Sri Lanka should consider both legislative and structural reforms. Updating the Prisons Ordinance to reflect modern correctional standards and international human rights norms is crucial. Introducing independent oversight bodies to review disciplinary measures can help maintain fairness and prevent abuse. Investments in prison infrastructure are needed to reduce overcrowding, while proper classification of inmates can reduce unnecessary conflicts. Expanding mental health services and rehabilitation programs would support inmates in their journey toward reintegration. Anti-corruption initiatives and greater transparency within prison staff operations are also essential.
Sri Lanka’s prisons reflect more than just the outcome of a criminal trial—they mirror the strength and fairness of the justice system itself. Prison offences aren’t just internal disruptions; they’re warning signs of deeper systemic issues. Addressing them requires a blend of legal reform, institutional accountability, and a genuine commitment to rehabilitation.
Penned by: Rtr. Nelumika Malgammana
Rotaract Club of Faculty of Law University of Colombo 