Updates on what has happened at Mahara Prison

A joint operation has been launched by security forces to control the tense situation that began around 4:00 PM last Friday among a group of people at Mahara Prison, and the subsequent unrest. During the clashes that occurred in this incident, one inmate has died and several others have been injured.

It is reported that one of the seven injured inmates admitted to Ragama Teaching Hospital has died. Considering the current situation, steps have also been taken to strengthen security in all prisons across the island.

This unrest originated from a dispute between two groups of inmates within the prison, as well as between inmates and prison officials. During this, some inmates climbed onto the prison roof and protested by throwing stones at officials, while others damaged the main gate and wall of the prison. Furthermore, some inmates attempted to escape by breaking down a section of the wall that was separated by a sheet metal cover in the newly proposed office complex. Amidst these uncontrolled behaviors, inmates set fire to and completely destroyed numerous properties including the main jailer's office, the disciplinary section, the kitchen, the rehabilitation building and office, as well as the prison hospital.

To control the situation, the Sri Lanka Police, Police Special Task Force, Army, and Navy have entered the prison premises. Naval personnel were called in due to the risk of inmates escaping from one end of the prison, and as inmates there threw stones at security forces, the police fired three tear gas canisters from outside the prison. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Air Force has launched aerial surveillance operations using a Bell 412 helicopter and a drone. Upon hearing several sounds similar to gunshots from within the prison, relatives of inmates and local residents gathered outside the premises attempted to break through police roadblocks, and security forces worked to control the crowd, during which some individuals also threw stones at security forces.

In the face of this unrest, the police curfew imposed on three Grama Seva divisions within the Ragama Police area to maintain peace in the region remains in effect. Accordingly, the police state that this curfew will be active until further notice for the Grama Seva divisions of 246 Kendaliyadda Paluwa - West, 246 C Kendaliyadda Paluwa - North, and 181 G Dambuwa.

Commenting on the current situation, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Sanjeewa Medawatta, in charge of the Western Province, stated that although the unrest has been controlled to some extent, full control has not yet been established. He added that security forces are making strenuous efforts to completely regain control of the prison and are conducting operations while minimizing any loss of life or injuries. He appealed to the public to stay in their homes and cooperate, and to refrain from visiting the prison. Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wuttler stated that inmates have now been moved into their cells, and peace has been established within the prison and surrounding areas. The cause of the unrest has not yet been revealed, and Prison Department Media Spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake stated that an investigation into the damages and the incident will be launched promptly.