A transfer for the officer who shot through the hole

The prison officer who fired shots to control the severe violent clash that occurred on July 6th at the Negombo Prison has been temporarily transferred to Pallekele Prison with immediate effect. Prison Media Spokesman and Commissioner of Prisons A.C.

Gajanayake has confirmed this decision, and a special investigation has now been launched to determine whether the shooting was in accordance with prison regulations or an excessive use of force.

Preliminary investigations into the incident have revealed that a group of inmates brutally assaulted the officers present and made a strong attempt to break down the last wooden door of the prison and escape. During this severe clash, which claimed the lives of 33 people, including ten prison officers, the officer in question had to use his firearm to protect the lives of fellow officers who were held hostage by several unruly inmates and to bring the situation under control.

This officer fired immediate shots from inside the main gate towards the inmates who were attempting to block the main gate and escape, causing the agitated inmates to abandon the gate and flee. Subsequently, prison officers and Special Task Force (STF) personnel acted swiftly, opening the doors and taking steps to rescue those held hostage as well as the injured inmates and admit them to the hospital.

It is reported that this officer, who risked his life to ensure the security of the prison, is currently receiving continuous death threats from underworld gangs operating from foreign countries, including Dubai. Prison officers, who surrounded the Minister of Justice and Prison Affairs, Harshan Nanayakkara, when he visited Welikada Prison to pay his last respects to the fallen fellow officers, unanimously demanded immediate and proper protection for the officer whose life is threatened by underworld gangs.