By: Isuru Parakrama
August 02, Colombo (LNW): A full-scale investigation has been launched into the violent disturbances that erupted at Mahara Prison, as authorities work to establish what triggered the incident that claimed the life of an inmate, left several others injured and caused extensive damage to prison property.
The Department of Prisons confirmed that the situation, which unfolded on Saturday (01) evening, has now been brought under control, with all inmates returned to their cells and security restored throughout the facility.
Despite the return to calm within the prison, a police curfew imposed across several Grama Niladhari divisions surrounding the complex remains in force until further notice as a precautionary measure.
Prisons Department Spokesperson Commissioner A.C. Gajanayake said an immediate inquiry had been initiated to determine the circumstances that led to the unrest. He noted that investigators are examining all aspects of the incident, adding that the precise cause has yet to be established.
Officials also revealed that the disturbance resulted in significant damage to several important sections of the prison. Among the affected facilities were the prison kitchen, rehabilitation building, rehabilitation office, Chief Jailer’s Office and the prison hospital.
Reports from the scene also indicated that inmates had set fire to parts of the Chief Jailer’s Office and the prison’s disciplinary division, with flames causing considerable destruction before the situation was brought under control.
The unrest is believed to have begun following a confrontation between a group of inmates and prison officers, which rapidly escalated into a wider disturbance inside the prison compound. As tensions intensified, emergency security measures were implemented and additional personnel were dispatched to contain the violence.
Seven inmates sustained injuries during the incident and were admitted to Ragama Teaching Hospital for treatment. Hospital authorities later confirmed that one of the injured prisoners had died, while the remaining inmates continue to receive medical care.
A large-scale security operation was mounted to restore order, involving officers from the Sri Lanka Police, the Police Special Task Force (STF) and the Sri Lanka Army. The Sri Lanka Air Force also provided aerial support by deploying a Bell 412 helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor developments from above and assist security personnel on the ground.
The unrest also triggered tension outside the prison. Relatives who had arrived to visit inmates were denied entry after the disturbance began and gathered near the prison gates seeking information about their family members. As uncertainty spread, the crowd grew increasingly agitated.
Witnesses reported hearing several loud noises resembling gunfire from within the prison compound, prompting some relatives and nearby residents to attempt to force their way through police barricades. Security personnel intervened to prevent unauthorised access to the prison, leading to confrontations between officers and sections of the crowd.
During the clashes, some individuals allegedly threw stones at members of the security forces. Police subsequently dispersed the gathering and reinforced security around the prison to prevent further disorder.
In response to the volatile situation, police imposed an indefinite curfew in the Grama Niladhari divisions of 246 Kendaliyadda Road West, 246C Kendaliyadda Road North and 181G Dambuwa. Authorities stated that the restrictions remain necessary to maintain public order while investigations and security operations continue.
Prisons officials have also appealed to the relatives of inmates gathered outside the facility to leave the area peacefully, assuring them that the situation inside the prison has been stabilised.
Senior government officials visited the prison shortly after the unrest to assess the situation firsthand. Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha and newly appointed Army Commander Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne inspected the prison premises and received briefings from security officials overseeing the operation.
Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Government was closely monitoring developments and confirmed that the injured inmates were receiving appropriate medical treatment. He added that discussions had been held with Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, the Defence Secretary and the Inspector General of Police to coordinate the official response.
The Minister also confirmed that a fire had broken out within the prison during the disturbance but stated that authorities had succeeded in bringing both the blaze and the unrest under control. Investigators are now expected to examine the sequence of events leading up to the violence, the extent of the damage and any security lapses that may have contributed to the incident.
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