NCJ Number
44227
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: (1977) Pages: 184-192
Date Published
1977
Length
9 pages
Annotation
THE ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF A PRERELEASE PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PREPARE LONG-TERM INMATES FOR THEIR RETURN TO SOCIETY ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
THROUGH INCREASED FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, REDUCTION OF REGIMENTATION, AND INCREASED RESPONSIBILITY, THE PALLEKELLE OPEN PRISON CAMP IN SRI LANKA PREPARES PRISONERS FOR DAY-TO-DAY EXISTENCE IN THE COMMUNITY. THE PALLEKELLE FACILITY, BUILT ON AN ABANDONED MILITARY CAMP, HAS GROWN IN 25 YEARS INTO A SPRAWLING RURAL VILLAGE. THERE ARE NO BOUNDARY WALLS OR CELLS. RESIDENTS WORK AND PARTICIPATE IN LEISURE-TIME ACTIVITIES. MANY CULTIVATE PRIVATE PLOTS OF LAND AND SELL THEIR PRODUCE. THE RESIDENTS TAKE PART IN THE CAMP'S GOVERNMENT AND ARE TRAINED TO ASSUME LEADERSHIP ROLES. THE RESIDENTS HAVE A SENSE OF LOYALTY AND PRIDE WITH REGARD TO THE CAMP, WHICH ENJOYS A GOOD REPUTATION WITH THE PUBLIC. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ENCOURAGED TO VISIT THE CAMP. IN 25 YEARS, 8 MEN HAVE ESCAPED FROM PALLEKELLE. SEVEN RETURNED OF THEIR OWN FREE WILL. OF 258 PRISONERS RELEASED UNDER SRI LANKA'S PAROLE PROGRAM, 59 HAVE BEEN FROM PALLEKELLE. NO RELEASED PALLEKELLE RESIDENT HAS VIOLATED THE CONDITIONS OF HIS RELEASE OR BEEN CONVICTED OF A SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE. A CASE EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATING ONE INMATE'S EXPERIENCE AT PALLEKELLE IS INCLUDED.