From hoodlums to workmen
Under a recently introduced novel scheme by prisons authorities, inmates trained in vocational skills participate in a variety of development schemes. Prisoners are paid a stipend for the work they perform.
Recently prisoners turned out furniture required for a transport hub project in Kottawa, making a saving of Rs. 12 million, said Acting Director of the Project, Nalaka Dissanayake.
The project was initially estimated to cost Rs 27 million!
Following normal tender procedures, the Prisons Department won the tender. Timber was obtained from the State Timber Corporation costing around Rs. nine million..
Commissioner of Prisons Chandana Ekanayake, in charge of supplies and Services said the department had personnel capable of performing varied tasks required in development activities. They only require the proper guidance, he said.
He added, that today the department was in a position to undertake any contract.
Mr Ekanayake said, the programme enabled inmates to receive training in particular vocations. This in turn, he said enhanced the chances that they would not return to the field of crime.
Presently, around 125 prisoners are engaged in a pilot project to turn out furniture. They are being guided by personnel of the Prisons Department itself, he said.