Prison Tourism as a Form of Dark Tourism: Exploring the Perspectives of Prison Officers in Welikada Active Prison, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Prison tourism is a new concept in Sri Lanka's tourism industry, yet in its infancy and has yet to garner significant attention. While the island nation has two iconic jails with possibilities for such projects, Bogambara and Welikada, the phenomena is relatively unknown. Welikada prison, located near Colombo, offers another chance for jail tourism. Despite its operating position, Welikada has a rich history, with some of its structures dating back more than a century. While elements of Welikada Prison have historical significance, the difficulties of reconciling the operational needs of a working prison with tourism objectives persist. This study aims to investigate the perspectives of the prison officers in Welikada Active Prison for introducing prison tourism as a form of dark tourism in Sri Lanka. The study was conducted as a qualitative study where in-depth interviews were conducted with the prison staff, selecting 16 officials based on the convenience-based sampling technique. The study delves into the multiple processes underlying the establishment of prison tourism in Sri Lanka using thematic analysis of interview data. The study's findings give useful information about the prison officials' perspectives on the potential for promoting prison tourism and the expected economic benefits of prison tourism. This research contributes to the greater discourse on dark tourism development in Sri Lanka by providing useful information for policymakers, tourism experts, and cultural heritage activists through the perspectives of the prison officials who are considered as a vital role in the form of prison tourism.