The number of inmates who died following the unrest at the Mahara Prison yesterday (29) has risen to eight.

The Prison Department stated that among the 50 persons who sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at the Ragama Teaching Hospital, a nurse and a drug coordinator affiliated with the Mahara Prison are included.

Ragama Teaching Hospital Director, Dr. Shelton Perera stated that most of the detainees who sustained injuries are in critical condition.

A spokesperson for the Prison stated that over 3,000 inmates are detained at the Prison, and the riot was caused by a large number of inmates who were arrested and remanded over narcotic charges.

The situation had arisen when a group had demanded that due to the prevailing situation in the country, they would be subjected to PCR testing and directed to quarantine, while some inmates have demanded that need to go home.

They have also leveled various allegations against prison officials in the last few days.

Afterward, a group of inmates had broken into the prison hospital yesterday (29) afternoon and damaged the property which resulted in a tense situation inside the Prison. A spokesman for the Prisons Department stated that the inmates then damaged the prison property and set it on fire.

Three fire trucks belonging to the Colombo Municipal Council and other fire trucks belonging to Gampaha Fire Brigade and Sri Lanka Navy were deployed to douse the fire at the Prison. The clash took place at around 06:00 p.m. yesterday (29) and lasted until early this morning.

According to the police, the situation has been brought under control and prison operations will be restored within a few hours. Police Media Spokesperson, DIG Ajith Rohana stated that 400 police officers and 200 STF personnel have been deployed to ensure the security of the prison.

Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon arrived at the Mahara Prison this morning to inquire into the situation.

State Minister of Prison Reforms and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation informed Parliament that steps will be taken to hand over the further investigation probing the unrest at the Mahara Prison to the Criminal Investigation Department.