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Programme to reduce prison overcrowding

A programme of action aimed at reducing the present overcrowding in prisons by encouraging alternative sentencing methods instead of imprisonment for minor offenders and paying more accent on rehabilitation of prisoners has been launched on the initiative of the Minister of Interior and Christian Affairs John Amaratunge, states a press release from Minister of Interior.

As a first step in this direction, a series of discussions are to be held with Magistrates and Judges in various parts of the country of the alternative sentencing methods available under the present laws of the country instead of being imprisoned for non payment of fines or the inability of prisoners to afford bail when released on bail.

The first such conference to draw the attention of Magistrates will be held today at the Tangerine Beach Hotel, Kalutara, when a group of 35 Magistrates will meet at a three-day working discussion on "Alternative Sentencing Methods as a Countermeasure to Overcrowding in Prisons". Simultaneously, another discussion on the "Mindset Change in Prison Management" for a cross section of 20 Prison Officials comprising Prison Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, Superintendents and Jail Guards will be held at the same hotel today commencing at 6.30 p.m.

Both these sessions will be inaugurated together by the Minister of Interior and Christian Affairs John Amaratunga and Minister of Justice, Law Reform and National Integration W. J. M. Lokubandara at 6.30 p.m. at the Tangerine Beach Hotel, Kalutara. After the inauguration the Magistrates and the Prison Officials will hold the discussion on the two topics in separate groups for three days. This will be the first of a series of such discussions to be held with Magistrates and Judges and Prison Officials on the two subjects of Alternative Sentencing Methods and Mindset Change in Prison Management.

These discussions are organized in collaboration with the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies, the Penal Reform International based in U.K. which is funding the project at a cost of Rs. 2.5 Million.

It has been estimated that out of the present day prison population of 20,000, fifty per cent are remandees. Out of these remandees a major portion are those remanded for not being able to furnish bail or jailed for minor offences like tickeless travel, minor thefts, possessing a bottle of illicit liquor etc. However, under the present laws they could be sentenced to do community service or some labour work for punishment without being imprisoned. The aim of these discussions is to draw the attention of the law enforcement sections of the availability of alternative sentencing for such minor offenders which would greatly reduce the present overcrowding in prisons and the resultant cost to the Government in looking after them. It costs Rs. 300 per day to feed a prisoner.

Also a special programme has also been launched to educate the Prison Officials on the need to change their present mindset towards prisoners in that it is not only their function to prevent prisoners from escaping. Rehabilitating and helping them to reform their lives is also part of their work. These seminars are intended to make them knowledgeable on the rehabilitation aspects rather than concentrating on keeping them imprisoned only.

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