COLOMBO (News 1st); An operation to produce organic fertilizer with the labour contribution of inmates is currently underway at selected prisons around the country in areas such as Batticaloa, Wariyapola, Watareka, Pallekele, Thaldena, Weerawila and Anuradhapura, Prisons Media Spokesperson Chandana Ekanayake stated. The program has been initiated under the purview of Lohan Ratwatte, Minister of Prisons, Prison Management and Prison Rehabilitation, on the advice of the President as a solution to the shortage of organic fertilizer in the country, and in achieving the objective of creating a poison-free country in line with the President’s manifesto a ‘Vision of Prosperity’. The program has been launched under the theme ‘From the prison to the garden’ in selected prisons. The program has already commenced cultivating fruits and vegetables in a 10 acre area located in Thirupaperunthurai affiliated to the Batticaloa Prison and is reaping its harvest while prisons in Wariyapola and Pallekele are also reaping the benefits of the program by cultivating fruits and vegetables. Part of the rehabilitation process of the Department of Prisons is to improve the mental health of inmates, to provide them with necessary vocational training for self-employment and to release them back into society as stable citizens.

Source: The Nation July 31, 2021 10:52 UTC