Authorities have brought under control a series of prison disturbances that erupted within a 12-hour period at Pallansena Prison in Negombo, Kuruwita Prison, and the New Magazine Prison in Borella. 28 Inmates Transferred to Welikada Prison Hospital.
According to officials, three inmates have died and more than 50 people have been injured in the incidents. Security has since been strengthened at prisons across the country, with the deployment of the armed forces and police to maintain order.
The first incident occurred on the night of August 6 at the New Magazine Prison in Borella, where a clash between two groups of inmates resulted in one death and 11 injuries. Police, the Special Task Force (STF), and military personnel were deployed to restore order. Initial reports indicate that the violence may have been linked to a dispute involving narcotics, with local media also reporting alleged involvement of rival groups associated with organized crime figures. These claims have not been officially confirmed.
A second disturbance broke out at Kuruwita Prison on the morning of August 7. Although tensions had reportedly begun the previous night following an attempted prison escape, the situation escalated when inmates were brought out of their cells for breakfast. Authorities used tear gas and warning fire to contain the unrest. Two inmates were killed and 15 others were injured before being admitted to the Ratnapura Teaching Hospital.
Meanwhile, inmates at Pallansena Prison in Dalupotha, Negombo, staged a rooftop protest that later escalated into violence. Police responded with multiple rounds of tear gas, while the STF, riot control units, and Air Force personnel were deployed to assist in restoring order.
The protesting inmates reportedly demanded improved sanitation facilities, faster preparation of their legal case files, and the expediting of court proceedings to enable eligible prisoners to obtain bail.
During the unrest, some inmates allegedly damaged sections of the prison's security walls and attempted to force open the main gate. Security forces dispersed the crowd and prevented any escape attempts.
The Department of Prisons stated that several inmates believed to have been involved in the disturbances have been transferred to other correctional facilities. Additionally, 28 inmates who sustained minor injuries have been transferred to the Welikada Prison Hospital for treatment.
