President calls on prison inmates to contribute to make Sri Lanka "Asia's miracle" 14-9-2010

President calls on prison inmates to contribute to make Sri Lanka "Asia's miracle"
September 14, 2010
President Rajapaksa has said that certain regulations which led to social injustice should be amended. The support of scholars as well as legal luminaries is necessary in this respect.


The President told the Prison inmates that if they love the country, they would not return to the places where they are. He recalled that the 30 year brutal war had been ended and the entire country united. Now, programmes are being launched to develop the country and make it "Asia's Miracle". He told the inmates that they should make a contribution to this effort and love the country and society. This would lead to the closure and not setting up of new Prisons.
The President was addressing Prison inmates on behalf of National Prisoners' Day at Temple Trees today. 500 rehabilitated inmates were present. It is the first time in history that prisoners were summoned to Temple Trees at the invitation of the President. The national ceremony marking prisoners' day was held at Temple Trees. The first flag issued to mark the event was pinned on to the President. The President released five inmates officially launching the programme of granting freedom to prisoners once a month based on permits. He presented certificates to those who displayed their skills during the rehabilitation process. The Moneragala Remand Prison was adjudged the "Best Prison" in the island, while the Pallakelle Camp received an award for the "Best Open Air Prison". Commissioner General for Prisons V.R. de Silva presented a plaque produced by the inmates.

Giving views on the changes planned for the future in the Prisons sector, Minister Dew Gunasekera said the most important problem was related to the Prisons service. He referred to the initiatives that would be taken on even minor problems. It has been decided to include within the portfolio of the Ministry the inmates who had committed crimes as well as their families.

The Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka thera delivered an Anussasana. Among the other speakers were Deputy Minster Vijith Vithithamun Soysa, Ministry Secretary A. Dissanayake and President of the Prisons Welfare Association Sam Wijesinghe.

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