# Sri Lanka prison system reform efforts > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sri-lanka-prison-system-reform-efforts > Updated: 2026-10-28T00:00:43.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Sri Lanka is addressing a critical overcrowding crisis within its prison system, where some facilities are reportedly operating at up to four times their intended capacity. The president of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has warned that this congestion threatens inmate welfare, staff safety, and the administration of justice, noting that it can lead to increased violence and the spread of disease. A primary driver of the crisis is a growing remand population awaiting trial due to court backlogs and limited legal aid. In response to these challenges, the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara, has called for urgent reforms centered on inmate rehabilitation and reintegration. To support these efforts, the government has proposed the Community Based Corrections (Amendment) Bill. This legislation seeks to modernize the criminal justice system by introducing community service as an alternative to traditional imprisonment for non-violent offenders, aiming to alleviate overcrowding while focusing on restorative justice. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-28: Sri Lanka faces severe prison overcrowding and calls for reform Sri Lanka's prison system is facing extreme overcrowding, with some facilities at four times capacity. Justice officials and the Bar Association are calling for urgent reforms and improved rehabilitation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sri-lanka-faces-severe-prison-overcrowding-and-calls-for-reform ### 2026-10-18: Sri Lanka proposes community service as alternative to prison Sri Lanka has proposed legal reforms to allow community service as an alternative to prison for eligible offenders, aiming to reduce prison overcrowding and promote rehabilitation. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sri-lanka-proposes-community-service-as-alternative-to-prison --- Cite as: Sri Lanka prison system reform efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sri-lanka-prison-system-reform-efforts