• Female inmates have fewer employment & vocational training progs., thus lack income generation & societal reintegration opportunities

Prison-based industries and work programmes have become a staple in correctional and rehabilitation facilities in the country, providing male inmates with opportunities to build skills and earn some income. However, female inmates often encounter a very different situation. Despite a substantial female prison population, the employment programmes and vocational training accessible to them are far fewer, revealing a broader trend of gender inequality within the criminal justice system and rehabilitation efforts.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Prisons Commissioner and Prisons Department Media Spokesperson Gamini B. Dissanayake noted that the relevant legal provisions passed in 2022 now allow public and private institutions to set up industries within prison facilities and hire prison inmates as workers. While male inmates have already begun working in such industries, he said that the significantly lower number of female inmates has deterred institutions from starting industries that would offer employment opportunities to females in prison.

Explaining the available opportunities for them and advantages of industries being launched within prison premises, he said: "Female inmates do participate in some self employment activities organised by the Prisons Department, but the income that they receive is minimal, as the payments are being made as set out in the relevant Ordinance. However, if a private or public company sets up an industry within the prison premises, they must comply with labour laws in paying the workers. This requires a daily wage of Rs. 1,184 with Rs. 640 paid to the inmate, Rs. 480 allocated to the Government, and the rest to the Welfare Fund."

When contacted by The Daily Morning, the State Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Geetha Kumarasinghe, said that the Ministry is focused on providing income generating opportunities for female inmates. However, she noted that the primary responsibility for organising such opportunities lies with the Prisons Department. "It is those who have been sentenced to imprisonment who are assigned to work within the prisons. Unfortunately, there are very few opportunities available," she said. She suggested that female inmates could be provided with opportunities to work in nearby garment factories, with the Prisons Department being held responsible for providing transportation and security to take inmates to work in the morning and bringing them back to the prison in the evening.

When queried about the possibility of implementing such a programme, Dissanayake noted that while male inmates have already had opportunities to work outside prisons, similar programmes are currently absent for female inmates. He outlined the process for public or private institutions interested in hiring female inmates, stating that they must first submit a project proposal to the Prisons Department. Once a proposal is received, he said that a dedicated committee would visit the suggested work site to conduct a thorough safety and suitability assessment. The said committee's role is to ensure that the environment is appropriate for female inmates, taking into account their safety, and workplace related conditions. This involves evaluating factors such as transportation to and from the work site, security protocols, and the potential for harassment or abuse. Following this site visit and assessment, the said committee would compile its observations and make recommendations, which would be forwarded to the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms for further review and approval. 

"The Government is frequently talking about rehabilitating inmates, and they even introduced an Act with regard to rehabilitation (Bureau of Rehabilitation Act, No. 2 of 2023). When we talk about rehabilitation, we should not forget about females. Employment opportunities for inmates, be they male or female, are not just about providing them with a job as they are about restoring dignity, building skills, and preparing them for life after prison. It is about creating pathways for meaningful reintegration into society. By giving them access to employment and vocational training, we are empowering them to rebuild their lives and reconnect with their families. These programmes can be a lifeline, offering not just an income but a sense of self worth. It is also essential that these employment opportunities are safe and equitable," said an activist who has been working on prisoners' rights. She also said that the continuous monitoring and evaluation of the programmes are essential to ensure that they are effective and meet the intended goals, adding that gathering feedback from inmates and making necessary adjustments to improve outcomes would be essential in that regard.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Chairperson of the Female Parliamentarians' Caucus, Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle said that the Caucus has not yet paid attention to this particular issue, nor has anyone formally raised it with them. However, she said that they would be willing to look into it in the future. She also said that whether it is about female prison inmates or females in other settings, the same opportunities and resources available to men should also be available to females. "What we are mostly focused on is the issues faced by other marginalised female groups. We have not broadly discussed issues faced by female inmates, but we will be ready to do so".

"Welfare programmes in prisons should be inclusive and supportive of all inmates, regardless of gender. However, the reality is that the gender divisions that persist within society extend into the prison system, often leading to unequal treatment and opportunities. The employment programmes for prisoners are frequently designed with only male inmates in mind," said the Committee for Protecting the Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) President, attorney Senaka Perera. While the imbalance may be partly explained by the predominance of male prisoners, he said that rehabilitation should however not be affected by gender. "Inmates deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives, and prisons should serve as correctional centres that facilitate this process. Rehabilitation should not be a mere concept, but a goal achieved through action. It should go beyond meditation and observing religious practices to include practical skill building and vocational training". When such programmes are absent or skewed, he said that the consequences would bring about adverse consequences, potentially leading to the repetition of crime and incarceration.

In a report titled ‘Prison Reforms Five Year Plan (2021-2025)’, it is stated that females are convicted of crime less often than men and that the proportion of females in prisons is small, but that the imprisonment of females has become more common and that the size of the female prison population is increasing faster. "Because of the small number of female prisoners, female prisons are often a neglected corner of the prison administration. They are often held in converted unsuitable buildings with little space for exercises or other activities. The development of these rehabilitation centres for females with equal opportunities in the rehabilitation process is needed. Further, the establishment of a training Institute for youthful female offenders under the Department of Prisons in accordance is also important. The establishment of training institutes for female youthful offenders will help to prevent gender discrimination". The Department itself has acknowledged in its report that there are specific issues affecting the welfare of female prisoners. 

Consequently, the Department should prioritise these concerns, conduct thorough investigations to understand the root causes, and implement effective solutions. One of the key areas for improvement is the provision of employment opportunities for female inmates, which can play a critical role in their rehabilitation and reintegration. Addressing these issues requires immediate attention and a commitment to creating a more equitable correctional system.

Multiple attempts to contact the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, President's Counsel, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and the Secretary to the Ministry, M.N. Ranasinghe and attorney cum activist Achala Seneviratne proved futile.