PREZ VOWS TO CHANGE SOCIAL CONDITIONS

Due to increase in criminal activity Says he does not wish to see the released prisoners again in prison

President Maithripala Sirisena said he was committed to change the social conditions which caused the background for the increasing of criminal activities.

He said he did not wish to see prison inmates again in the prison after their release and added that he was ready to provide every possible assistance to rebuild their future.

Accordingly, President Sirisena instructed the Commissioner General of Prisons to submit a report swiftly regarding the number of inmates, who are willing to engage into self-employment and the facilities they need. President Sirisena made these remarks addressing a ceremony held at the premises of the Welikada Prison to grant Presidential Pardon for 762 inmates in view of the Vesak Poya Day. This was the first time that a President of the country participated on such occasion, and the President also took steps to listen to the grievances of inmates.

President Sirisena has a particular interest to offer facilities for rehabilitation of prison inmates and to make them law abiding citizens. On January 08, 2016, the President took step to release a person convicted by the courts, for plotting to kill him. The President further expressing his views at this function said that his aim was not to fill the prisons, but to build all the citizens as law abiding persons and to change the social background which causes to increase the criminal activities in the country.

Expressing his views regarding the programmes implemented by the government to provide vocational training for inmates and to utilize their labour for the benefit of the country, President Sirisena requested all to utilize the time they spend as inmates to enhance their knowledge and skills.the President handed over selfemployment equipment to five inmates who had been released.

This was the first time that a President of the country participated on such occasion, and the President also took steps to listen to the grievances of inmates