Making up one’s mind in accordance with the respective religious belief could have enabled the closure of prisons, said minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.
He was speaking at a Christmas Carol recital by inmates of Welikada Prison yesterday (25).
On the occasion, three songs written by the minister were sung by the prisoners.
Speaking further, Dr. Rajapakshe said religions were there for unity, not division, and every religion promoted forgiveness, not punishment.
He added that the prisons system was now being reformed under a new policy to guarantee the safety of inmates.
Prisoners pardoned for Christmas
Minister Rajapakshe was also present when 1,004 prisoners received presidential pardons in view of Christmas.
They came from 29 prisons spread across the country.
A further 25, all women, will be given a special presidential pardon.
