Zonta Club III Colombo, Infinite Grace Foundation and Evolution Auto unite for special cause

From left: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt attend “The Devil Wears Prada 2” European premiere in London

• The Devil Wears Prada 2 charity screening on 6 May at SCPOPE Cinemas Multiplex -Colombo City Centre to raise funds for the upliftment of female prisoners and children

 Zonta Club III of Colombo, in association with the Infinite Grace Foundation, powered by Evolution Auto presents a special screening of one the most awaited sequels of this season - The Devil Wares Prada 2, a special movie night for a cause on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, at the SCPOPE Cinemas Multiplex -Colombo City Centre at 6:30 p.m.

Zonta Club III of Colombo reaches out to raise funds for a special cause often overlooked by many – to raise funds to uplift the livelihood and living conditions of women and children in prisons; to make their lives better and give them hope and the opportunity for a better future. 

The Infinite Grace Foundation, founded by Stephanie Siriwardene has been working silently in this sphere towards the upliftment of the status of prisoners. Zonta Club III of Colombo is joining hands with the Infinite Grace Foundation to help improve the conditions of the female prisoners - especially giving them hope for a better future.

Zonta Club III of Colombo President Shera Hassen said: “At Zonta Club III of Colombo, we believe in creating impact that goes beyond moments – an impact that transforms lives. Through this special screening together with Infinite Grace Foundation, powered by Evolution Auto, we intend to not only bring together a community of cinema lovers, but also champion a meaningful cause. The proceeds from this initiative of Zonta Club III of Colombo will directly support the upliftment of female prisoners and their children, empowering them with dignity, opportunity, purpose and hope for a better future. We are very grateful to our members, donors and especially the sponsors for their magnanimous support.”

The prison system in Sri Lanka is over whelmed, with their outdated infrastructure dating back to the colonial era adding to the problems. By the end of 2024, Sri Lanka Prisons operate at approximately 280-300% of their designed capacity, holding a total of 133,550 inmates, compared to 90,362 in 2020, which shows a sharp increase within a short span. Prison cells originally designed to hold 3 or 4 inmates presently holds up to 12 prisoners.  At present, the Prison system holds a total of 8,171 un convicted and convicted female prisoners, where the number of elderly female prisoners are on a steady rise. The system also holds children of the female prisoners and also youthful offenders, where the prison system is not fully geared to house them.

The confined spaces resulting in unbearable living conditions and lack of the most basic human needs creates scenarios where the wellbeing of women and children in the prisons are the most readily compromised. Further, the prisoners, especially the female prisoners have little hope for a better life as most are not trained in a livelihood to fend for themselves, thus having to rely on others. Many a times they solicit to socially unacceptable livelihoods, getting back to a lifestyle that completes a vicious cycle and putting them back to prison. Zonta Club III of Colombo, together with the Infinite Grace foundation, intends to provide a better life full of hope, especially for the females and the children in the prison system.

“Infinite Grace Foundation Director of Prison Outreach, Programs and Rehabilitation Oshanthi Perera said: “At the Infinite Grace Foundation, our work in prisons has always been rooted in love, dignity, and purpose, and in creating real second chances. We work island-wide across Sri Lanka, supporting thousands of inmates and their families within the correctional system.

“This initial event with Zonta Club III of Colombo, marks the beginning of a meaningful long-term partnership between us. Together, we are focusing on supporting approximately 1,800 female inmates and over 100 children under the age of five living within prison environments. Our focus is not only on meeting urgent needs such as clothing, hygiene, maternal care, and medical support, but also on creating safe, nurturing spaces for children through education and play.

“Beyond immediate relief, we remain deeply committed to long-term rehabilitation through vocational training, mental health support, and sustainable reintegration pathways that allow individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. We are truly grateful to Zonta Club III of Colombo for standing with us in this work. Partnerships like this allow us to reach more lives, restore hope, and create meaningful, lasting change.”