Unrest at Mahara Prison - One inmate killed; buildings set on fire, dozens injured

By Asiri Fernando

Prison authorities had used force to control an unruly situation at the Mahara Prison last evening, resulting in the death of one inmate and two other inmates being hospitalized for treatment, Police spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said. 

The prison guards opened fire on several inmates while trying to control the situation, which resulted in the death of one inmate, DIG Rohana added. State Minister of Prison Reforms and Prisoners' Rehabilitation Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, told Daily FT that prison officers shot at a group of prisoners who were attempting to escape. Another group of prisoners had subsequently set fire to several buildings following the shooting.  

Hospital sources said that nearly two dozen persons who were injured in the incident have been admitted to Ragama Hospital. "The death toll may rise", a medical officer at Ragama, who wanted to remain anonymous said.

"Four police teams headed by the SSP Kelaniya and the OIC of the Ragama Station have been sent to the Mahara Prison in order to control the situation and teams of Special Task Force (STF) personnel have also been deployed to the site to provide security around the perimeter of the Prison,” DIG Rohana said.