The Justice Minister has announced plans to amend bail regulations for drug-related offences following recent disturbances across multiple Sri Lankan prisons that resulted in three deaths and dozens of injuries.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara revealed that the government intends to revise legislation governing bail provisions for individuals charged with drug-related crimes, according to statements made during an official announcement regarding recent prison incidents.

Violence erupted across several correctional facilities, including the Magazine and Kuruwita prisons as well as the Pallansena Open Prison Camp. According to the Prisons Department, the unrest at the New Magazine Prison on Thursday left 11 inmates injured and hospitalised within the facility's medical unit, while nine others were transferred elsewhere. Investigations into these incidents have commenced, with authorities deploying additional security personnel from the Sri Lanka Police, the Police Special Task Force, and military personnel to strengthen facility security.

The disturbances resulted in significant casualties. Three inmates died across the incidents at Magazine, Kuruwita, and Negombo Pallansena facilities, with approximately 77 individuals injured. This follows a more severe clash at Negombo Prison on July 5, which resulted in 32 deaths and over 100 injuries.

In response to these developments, the Presidential Secretariat announced the establishment of a joint oversight mechanism designed to address inmate concerns, monitor welfare conditions, and establish protocols for managing future emergencies. The decision emerged from discussions held at the Presidential Secretariat under the President's direction.