Rideegama detention centre gets new buildings to house more beggars

Under the project launched beginning of the year to keep beggars away from Colombo city, the Megapolis and Western Development Ministry has added 10 more buildings at the Rideegama, Ambalantota, Detention Centre to house 600 inmates.

Pro j e c t d i re c t o r R a n j i t h Meegaswatte said the aim was to put an end to the nuisance factor posed by beggars to the public while also enabling a better life for beggars through education, self- employment and empowerment.

“A religious centre is being constructed within the premises. For recreational activities the centre has a vocational training centre and a garden where the inmates can cultivate their own plot of land," Mr. Meegaswatte said.

He added that Rs. 1.5 million is spent every month on education, food, clothing and medical expenses. “Some inmates are mentally or physically handicapped. It is very challenging for them to find employment; some, naturally, choose to stay within the institution.”

Police Media spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara said that arrests are made under the Vagrants Ordinance and the Police Ordinance. The arrested are produced in courts and from there, transported to the Rideegama rehabilitation centre. The process takes about one day. He further mentioned that they are specially focusing on vagrants who frequent traffic light stops, to curb the harassment of drivers and passengers alike.

The project has been temporarily stopped, as police are involved in duties in the run- up to the local elections. The Department hopes to restart the project as soon as the election is over.