Inmates killed in Welikada prison clashes

AP: At least 10 inmates at the Welikada Prison were killed in a shootout with security forces and 12 others were wounded Friday, a doctor confirmed.

Dr. Prasad Kariyawasam of the Colombo National Hospital said 10 bodies and 12 wounded inmates were brought to the hospital. He could not immediately comment on the condition of the wounded.

Kariyawasam initially said there were 12 bodies and nine inmates wounded, but he later lowered the number of dead to 10.

Security forces engaged in a gun battle Friday with rioting prisoners who appeared to have taken control of at least part of the prison.

Police Spokesman Prishantha Jayakody said the fighting began when Police Commandos went to Welikada Prison to conduct a search and were attacked by inmates hurling stones. He declined to provide more information.

An Associated Press photographer outside the building saw prisoners waving rifles atop the roof Friday night.

Some other prisoners piled into a three-wheeled vehicle and began driving toward a main city road before security forces outside the prison opened fire. The vehicle stopped and three unmoving bodies could be seen.

Dozens of security officers then entered the prison and volleys of gunfire rang out.

Prisoners could be heard screaming, “Stop shooting!”

Sri Lankan officials often conduct raids inside prisons looking for narcotics and communication devices.