First steps in relocating prison

The foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of a new prison to replace the Bogambara prison was held recently presided over by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake. The new prison is to be constructed on a 35 acre block of land at Pallekele and the work is to be undertaken by the State Engineering Corporation.

Resident program manager Manoj Kulatunge said that work in a 22 acre area is under construction with the first of three stages costing Rs 453 million. The parapet wall round the complex is estimated to cost Rs. 200 million. The first stage which will see the construction of the women’s prison, official quarters and the water tank is expected to be completed at the end of next year. The second stage will be on the remand prison, a prison for youth, a hospital, a kitchen and places for religious worship.

About 100 prisoners will help in the construction under the direction of General Manager A.G.Manamperi and senior manager A.M.Alahakoon.