Mahara Prison unrest left one inmate dead, seven hospitalised and key rehabilitation facilities severely damaged, prison officials say.
The recent Mahara Prison unrest caused extensive damage to buildings, offices and rehabilitation facilities, according to Prison Department Media Spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake.
Speaking to the media, Gajanayake said inmates’ violent actions completely destroyed several important sections of the prison.
The damaged facilities include the prison kitchen, a newly constructed rehabilitation building and the rehabilitation office. The Chief Jailer’s office was also destroyed.
Meanwhile, the prison hospital reportedly suffered severe damage during the disturbance.
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Mahara Prison Unrest Destroys Rehabilitation Facilities
Inmates also allegedly set fire to equipment and other property used for rehabilitation programmes.
The destruction affected the prison’s sewing, carpentry and masonry sections. Officials said the fire destroyed all equipment and goods kept in those areas.
According to Gajanayake, some inmates attempted to escape by breaking through sheet fencing surrounding the proposed new office premises.
Groups of inmates also attacked the prison’s main gate during the unrest.
One inmate died in the clashes, while seven others required hospital treatment. However, authorities have not received any reports of prison officers suffering injuries.
Police, the Special Task Force and the tri-forces assisted prison authorities in bringing the situation under control.
Gajanayake said conditions inside the prison had now returned to a peaceful level.
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to identify the cause of the Mahara Prison unrest and determine who was responsible.
The inquiry will also examine the destruction of prison property, the alleged escape attempts and the sequence of events surrounding the clashes.
The Prison Department spokesperson further confirmed that inmates did not possess weapons during the disturbance.
