Community-Based Corrections: An Alternative to Incarceration in Sri Lanka

This presentation will be featured at Indonesia 2025, on the 18.09.2025.

Authors:

Sanjeewani Senevirathne - Ministry of Justice and Social Reintegration-Sri Lanka

Dilan Gunaratne - Ministry of Justice and Social Reintegration

Abstract:

Community-Based Corrections (CBC) is an effective alternative to imprisonment, especially for minor offenders. This approach provides minor offenders with a valuable opportunity to amend their criminal behavior within the community, thereby reducing stigma and marginalization while sidestepping the often punitive nature of incarceration. Notably, over 75% of minor offenders in CBC programs struggle with substance use disorders (SUD), emphasizing the necessity for specialized interventions.

The CBC process encompasses three primary components: correction, reintegration, and relapse prevention. Offenders benefit from various psychological interventions and behavioral therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and counseling. These strategies aim to address underlying behavioral issues and facilitate recovery.

Despite its considerable potential, the CBC framework presently lacks the extensive implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) that are vital for both its success and sustainability. Currently, my work with SBIRT focuses on the primary objective of expanding and embedding EBPs within the DCBC to improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation and mitigate recidivism. We aim to ensure that offenders receive structured and scientifically validated interventions, which include not only psychological therapies but also family support, vocational training, spiritual development, and medical referrals. These interventions are designed to address the holistic needs of offenders, emphasizing relapse prevention and facilitating long-term reintegration into society.

The integration of EBPs within CBC is essential for developing a more effective and humane justice system. This framework provides offenders with the necessary resources to amend their behavior and reintegrate successfully into their communities. By diminishing the reliance on incarceration, particularly for minor offenders, this approach cultivates a rehabilitation-centric system that supports favorable outcomes for individuals struggling with substance-related issues.