By: Isuru Parakrama
August 01, Colombo (LNW): One inmate has been confirmed dead and at least six others are receiving treatment after a violent disturbance at Mahara Prison on Saturday (01), during which a major fire broke out inside the facility, authorities and hospital sources said.
Seven people were admitted to Ragama Hospital following the unrest. One of the injured later succumbed to injuries, while the remaining patients continue to receive medical treatment.
The incident unfolded after tensions reportedly escalated within the prison during the evening. Preliminary information suggests that a confrontation between inmates and prison officers triggered the disturbance, prompting an immediate security response.
Sri Lanka Police said several special police teams had been dispatched to the prison to investigate the incident and assist in restoring order. Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel were also deployed outside the prison to strengthen security and prevent the situation from escalating further.
The Department of Prisons stated that measures had been taken to bring the unrest under control, while additional prison officers were summoned to reinforce security inside the facility.
According to prison sources, inmates allegedly set fire to the offices of the Chief Jailer and the prison’s Disciplinary Division during the disturbance. Firefighting efforts were launched to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the prison complex.
Several people, including inmates, sustained injuries during the incident before being transferred to Ragama Hospital for treatment. The full extent of the damage caused by the fire has not yet been officially disclosed.
Meanwhile, relatives who had arrived at Mahara Prison earlier in the day for scheduled visits were reportedly denied entry as the situation deteriorated. Many remained gathered outside the prison awaiting information about the condition of their family members.
Some relatives waiting outside the prison told media organisations that they heard what appeared to be several gunshots from within the prison premises during the unrest. However, no official confirmation has been issued regarding the reported gunfire.
Although the Department of Prisons has acknowledged that action was taken to control the disturbance, it has not yet released a detailed statement outlining the sequence of events, the circumstances surrounding the fatality or the cause of the injuries.
Investigations into the incident are now under way as authorities work to establish the events that led to the unrest, the fire and the inmate’s death.
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