NCJ Number
74349
Date Published
1980
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This short overview summarizes the alternatives to imprisonment used by courts in Sri Lanka. They include orders for binding over, warnings, suspended sentences, community service orders, fines, orders for payment of compensation, and probation.
Abstract
Both suspended sentences and community service orders were introduced in 1973. The latter are principally used to reduce the large number of prisoners sentenced to undergo terms of imprisonment for nonpayment of fines, providing an alternative in the form compulsory service to the community. The provision for compensation is frequently used to replace monies lost by fraud victims. Further probation in Sri Lanka dates from 1945, but during the last 10 years the number of offenders placed on probation has decreased. An administrative arrangement by which the Department of Prisons seeks to reduce the number of persons kept in prisons is the concept of work camps. These camps are open institutions for inmates with short term sentences who are given training in agriculture and animal husbandry. Thus, the work camps avoid the evils of a prison environment for minor offenders. In Sri Lanka, all prisoners are given a remission of one-third their sentences for good behavior. They are also granted special amenities on special occasions of national importance. A 'licence scheme' similar to that of parole is also operated in Sri Lanka for long term inmates on good behavior. Also operative are work release and home leave for a week at a time for long term prisoners. Many of the more liberal measures and inmate programs date only from 1974, but their impact on recidivism has been seen in declining reconviction rates. No references are given.