Recent disturbances across Sri Lankan prisons may stem from stricter narcotics controls and resulting withdrawal symptoms among inmates, according to the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board.
Recent incidents of violence in several prisons across the country appear connected to tighter restrictions on drug trafficking into correctional facilities, according to officials from the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board. Deputy Director Pradeep Koholanegedara identified two primary sources of prison-related conflict: organised confrontations between inmate groups and disturbances arising from drug withdrawal symptoms.
Koholanegedara explained that inmates with substance dependencies face severe physical and psychological challenges when denied access to narcotics. Such withdrawal can trigger heightened aggression, agitation and disruptive behaviour among affected prisoners. The official noted that some individuals convicted of drug-related offences have historically preferred serving prison sentences over entering rehabilitation programmes, suggesting narcotics may have been accessible within facilities previously.
The Deputy Director characterised the current surge in drug-related unrest as a potentially positive indicator. He suggested that emerging tensions may actually reflect the success of enhanced enforcement measures now preventing narcotics from entering prisons. By significantly limiting drug availability, authorities appear to be disrupting supply networks that previously operated within correctional facilities, though this transition has triggered destabilisation among dependent inmates.
Koholanegedara's comments indicate that managing prison security now involves addressing both the withdrawal-related behavioural issues of individual inmates and coordinated activities by organised groups within the prison system. Authorities continue monitoring the situation as stricter drug controls take effect across correctional institutions.
