Suicides are up, especially by hanging. Some 631 inmates died in the last four years, from, among others, assaults, riots, disease, psychological disorders, and drug abuse. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka calls for greater protection, like taking inmates’ picture immediately after arrest.
About 34 per cent of Sri Lankans resorted to these resources, while 45 per cent of those who pawned their jewellery or three-wheelers failed to redeem them. Some families have committed suicide after mortgaging their homes, and many students have dropped out of university. The government announced a restructuring of the domestic debt.