Mahara Prison unrest brought under control; one inmate dead

Authorities have brought unrest at Mahara Prison under control and confined all inmates to their cells, Sri Lanka Police said on Sunday.

However, a police curfew imposed in several Grama Niladhari divisions in the Mahara area will remain in force until further notice.

The unrest began on Saturday evening following a dispute between inmates and prison officers.

Seven inmates suffered injuries and were admitted to the Ragama Teaching Hospital. One later died from his injuries.

Authorities deployed personnel from the Police Special Task Force, Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Police to restore order. The Sri Lanka Air Force used a Bell 412 helicopter and drones to monitor the prison from the air.

Inmates reportedly set fire to the Chief Jailer’s office and the prison’s disciplinary division during the unrest.

Relatives who arrived to visit inmates were denied entry and later gathered outside the prison. Tensions rose between the crowd and police before security personnel brought the situation under control.

After loud noises resembling gunfire were heard from inside the prison, some relatives and nearby residents reportedly attempted to break through police barricades. Several people also allegedly threw stones at security personnel.

Police subsequently imposed a curfew in the 246 Kendaliyadda Road West, 246 C Kendaliyadda Road North and 181 G Dambuwa Grama Niladhari divisions.