The Prisons Department has prepared a special opportunity for the inmates to meet visitors during the three days in view of the 2023 Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Additional Prisons Commissioner General and Prisons spokesman Chandana Ekanayake said today.

He said the three-day opportunity has been granted as of today (13).

Relatives visiting the prisoners on these days will be given the opportunity to provide a food parcel equal to one person and sweets to the extent required by one person. All prison institutions have provided the necessary facilities for pick-up and delivery.Moreover, new year rituals are to be performed for the prisoners and suspects in all the prisons. The Prisons Department has made arrangements to provide milk and rice to all the prisoners. Also, the oil anointing ceremony for the prisoners is also to be held ritually.

This program is introduced to improve the mentality of the inmates. The Prisons Rehabilitation Department too has organized several New Year events, such as musical programs, distribution of sanitary materials as well as traditional games. It has also received the support of the subcommittees of the Prisoners Welfare Association.