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Introduction of Innovations into the Correctional System of Sri Lanka

NCJ Number
99336
Journal
UNAFEI Resource Material Series Issue: 26 Dated: (December 1984) Pages: 125-133
Author(s)
J P Delgodo
Date Published
1984
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The goals and structure of the correctional system of Sri Lanka are explained, and the correctional reforms introduced during the 1970's are described.
Abstract
Of the three correctional goals of punishment, removal of offenders from society, and rehabilitation, Sri Lanka places the most emphasis on rehabilitation. As a British colony, Sri Lanka had a centralized justice system, and this system has continued since independence in 1948. By 1971, the system was experiencing several problems: acute overcrowding, shortage of staff and lack of staff training, inadequacy of aftercare services, and lack of community participation in aftercare or prison programs. Among the changes introduced in the last decade were the establishment of a center for research and training, initiation of public education programs, home leave from prison, a program to orient new prisoners to available programs, hearings regarding release, work release, and an ex-offenders organization to aid employment efforts. Other changes were the establishment of separate institutions for youthful offenders, work camps for short-term and medium-term offenders, and a center in which prisoners live with their families. These changes were introduced administratively and did not require special legislation.