New dental ward at Welikada Prison

A new dental surgery costing Rs. One million was opened at 'S ward' of the Welikada Prison yesterday by the Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry with the assistance of the Health Ministry.

Prisoners and prison officials of the Welikada Prison will benefit from this dental surgery operated by a Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry dental surgeon.

Immates at the Welikada Prison were taken to the General Hospital or a government hospital for dental treatment as there was no dental surgery at the prison.

The new complete dental surgery will reduce expenditure, especially transport cost, sources said.

Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera said steps have been taken to reduce expenses at prisons while creating new income generating sources aimed at converting prisons into profitable institutions.

"The volume of production of a prisoner is being gradually increased, introducing new products.

Apart from the existing manufactured items, a series of new products such as post bags, clothes, furniture and toys are manufactured by prisoners.

"A new sales outlet will be opened at Baseline Road to sell the products", he said.