Department of Prisons-Prisoners’ Welfare Fund

Department of Prisons-Prisoners’ Welfare Fund

A LAW TO MAKE PROVISION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PRISONERS’ WELFARE FUND, FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF MONEYS THEREFROM FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE OF PRISONERS; AND TO PROVIDE FOR ALL MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH OR INCIDENTAL THERETO.

BE it enacted by the National State Assembly of the Republic of Sri Lanka as follows: –

Short title.

1. This Law may be cited as the Department of Prisons Prisoners’ Welfare Fund Law, No. 18 of 1973,

Establishment of the Department of Prisons- Prisoners’ Welfare Fund.

2.

(1) For the purposes of this Law there shall be established a fund called the Department of Prisons-Prisoners’ Welfare Fund (hereinafter referred to as “the Fund “).

(2) A general account of the Fund shall be maintained, in such manner as the Secretary to the Ministry in charge of the subject of Finance may direct.

Control and management of the Fund.

3. The control and management of the Fund shall be vested in the Commissioner of Prisons.

Payments to the Fund.

4. The following moneys shall be credited to the account of the Fund: –

(a) all moneys lying to the credit of the ” General Deposit , Account-Prisoners’ Welfare Fund ” as shown in the books of accounts of the Department of Prisons, on the date on which this Law comes into operation;

(b) such part of the net proceeds of the sale of hobby articles, as may be determined from time to time by the Secretary;

(c) the compulsory levy made on the wages of prisoners;

(d) any public donations made towards the welfare of prisoners;

(e) any sums recovered by way of charges levied on Government Departments and other institutions for the supply of prison labour;

(f) any unauthorized cash found in the possession of prisoners;

(g) any cash found in prison premises without proof of ownership;

(h) net profits from-

(i) the sales room run by the Department of Prisons,

(ii) exhibitions of hobby articles made by prisoners, and

(iii) canteens run in prisons; and

(i) such other contributions to the Fund as may be approved by the Secretary to the Ministry in charge of the subject of Finance.

Disbursement of moneys from the Fund.

5. The Commissioner of Prisons shall, subject to such instructions as may be issued to him from time to time by the Secretary, have the power to expend moneys lying to the credit of the Fund for any of the following purposes: –

(a) spiritual and religious welfare of prisoners;

(b) educational welfare of prisoners;

(c) provision of recreational facilities and other amenities to prisoners;

(d) payment of rewards to prisoners;

(e) payment of repayable advances for organizing exhibitions and the maintenance of canteens for prisoners.

Financial year.

6. The financial year for the purposes of the Fund shall be the year commencing on 1st January and ending on 31st December,

Accounts and audit.

7.

(1) The accounts of the Fund shall be audited by the Auditor-General.

(2) The Commissioner of. Prisons shall submit to the Minister as soon as practicable after the close of each financial year a full statement showing the working of the Fund and containing full particulars of all transactions connected with the working of the Fund, together with a copy of the Auditor-General’s report. Such report shall, as soon as may be convenient, be placed before the National State Assembly by the Minister.

Interpretation.

8. In this Law, ” Secretary ” means the Secretary to the Ministry in charge of the subject of Prisons.