It's High Time Sri Lankan Prisoners Were Given Beds Instead of Mats

The recent rejection of a request for a mattress by remanded Member of Parliament Chamara Sampath Dassanayake has reignited the debate on prison conditions in Sri Lanka. The Department of Prisons has confirmed that prison doctors denied his request for a mattress, stating that such provisions require medical recommendations, which were not provided in this case.

Dassanayake, who is in remand custody over allegations of financial fraud, reportedly cited back pain as the reason for his request. However, prison authorities maintained that the allocation of special bedding can only be sanctioned upon medical advice. This decision, though aligned with prison regulations, raises broader questions about the standard of living afforded to inmates in the country.

Are Prisoners Not Human?

While the law mandates the humane treatment of prisoners, Sri Lanka's correctional facilities have long been criticized for their inadequate living conditions. The practice of providing inmates with mats instead of beds has been the norm, but in a modern society that values human rights, it is worth questioning whether such conditions are acceptable.

Prisoners, irrespective of their crimes, remain human beings and should be afforded basic dignity. Providing beds instead of mats is not a privilege but a necessity to ensure their well-being. Many prisoners suffer from health issues exacerbated by poor sleeping arrangements, and yet, the authorities continue to adhere to outdated practices that prioritize institutional rigidity over humane treatment.

International Standards vs. Sri Lankan Reality

Globally, many developed nations have recognized the importance of humane prison conditions, ensuring that inmates receive proper bedding, nutrition, and medical care. The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) emphasize the need for a minimum standard of accommodation, including appropriate bedding.

However, Sri Lanka’s prisons are notorious for overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and poor sanitation. While some may argue that prisoners deserve harsh conditions as a form of punishment, modern correctional policies stress rehabilitation over retribution. A prison system that prioritizes humane conditions contributes to lower recidivism rates and better reintegration into society.

Time for Change

The rejection of Dassanayake’s request may be in accordance with prison protocols, but it highlights the urgent need for reform. If a sitting MP cannot secure a mattress, what does that say about the treatment of ordinary prisoners? Rather than handling requests on a case-by-case basis, Sri Lanka must overhaul its prison system to ensure that all inmates, regardless of status, receive humane treatment.

The government, along with human rights organizations, must push for policy changes that align with international standards. Providing beds instead of mats is not a luxury—it is a step toward upholding human dignity. If Sri Lanka is to progress as a society that values human rights, then it must start by treating all its citizens, including prisoners, with the basic respect they deserve.