Prison Observation and Stephanie's Uncle's Story

The government has established a new observation committee with the aim of identifying the problems faced by individuals detained in prisons and streamlining their welfare activities. The inclusion of Ms. Stephanie Siriwardhana, a well-known model and former beauty queen, in this new six-member board has created a significant buzz in society.

Specifically, various criticisms and discussions have arisen on social media regarding the appointment of a model representing the arts field for observation activities in a complex state system like prisons.

However, commenting on this appointment, Prison Media Spokesperson Mr. A.C. Gajanayake points out that this was done in accordance with the normal procedure of the Prisons Department. Two observation committees, a main and a sub-committee, operate within the prison system, and Ms. Stephanie Siriwardhana and others have been appointed to the main observation committee. Although this committee should normally consist of seven members, only six members have been appointed so far, and the government expects to fill the remaining vacancy in the future.

Although Ms. Stephanie Siriwardhana, who was appointed to this position, won the titles of Miss Sri Lanka and Miss Asia in 2011 and 2013, it is revealed that she was not appointed to this position solely based on her popularity. Prison authorities confirm that she and the team appointed to this committee have been collaborating with the Prisons Department for a long time. The main responsibility of this committee is to observe the difficulties faced by detainees, inform the relevant authorities about them, and directly intervene for the well-being of the detainees.

Meanwhile, in response to the criticisms leveled against Ms. Stephanie Siriwardhana's appointment, her uncle, retired Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Champika Siriwardhana, has clarified the matter through a social media post. As he points out, Ms. Stephanie Siriwardhana has been voluntarily dedicated to the welfare of prison inmates for over ten years. The post states that she has carried out numerous social welfare activities, such as uplifting the morale of incarcerated women, providing them with necessary sanitary items and vocational training equipment, and spending personal funds to release women who were imprisoned due to inability to pay fines.