Sri Lanka Police have imposed an indefinite curfew within the Ragama Police Division effective immediately until further notice. Authorities implemented the restriction to control and contain escalating unrest following a fatal riot at the Mahara Prison facility.
One inmate has died following a violent clash that broke out inside the Mahara Prison this afternoon (01). Seven inmates who sustained injuries during the altercation were rushed to the Ragama Teaching Hospital for treatment, where a hospital spokesperson confirmed that one individual had succumbed to his injuries.
Tension also erupted outside the prison premises after several sounds resembling gunshots were heard coming from within the facility. Alarmed by the noises, anxious relatives who had arrived to visit inmates, along with local residents, attempted to breach police barricades surrounding the prison.
A confrontation ensued when security personnel stepped forward to control the crowd. According to reports, several individuals among the gathered relatives and residents hurled stones at security officers during the unrest. In response to the escalating situation, authorities deployed water cannon trucks to the front premises of the prison.
Police have since confirmed that the clash among the inmates inside the prison has been brought under control. Authorities have appealed to relatives and members of the public gathered near the prison premises to disperse immediately and vacate the area as the curfew remains in effect to restore public order.
