Police investigate whether disrupted drug smuggling caused Mahara prison unrest

Police launched an investigation into whether the total disruption of a covert drug trafficking network into Mahara Prison sparked the controversial incident inside the facility.

A senior prison spokesperson stated that certain inmates behaved violently due to the lack of drugs, creating a tense situation.

Meanwhile, following the control of unrest that lasted over 12 hours at the Mahara Prison, 104 inmates suspected of initiating the clash were transferred to other prisons yesterday (02).

Inmates damaged extensive property at the Mahara Prison, setting fire to several buildings including the Chief Jailor's Office and the prison hospital.

Police took steps yesterday to lift the police curfew imposed in three Grama Niladhari divisions in the Ragama police area to control the unrest.

Prison Department stated that one inmate died in the incident, while nine injured inmates were receiving hospital treatment.

The deceased was identified as Damith Madusanka, a 33-year-old resident of the Wattala, Hekitta area, who was arrested and remanded over a motorcycle theft and possession of ice narcotics.

Ten inmates, including those known by aliases Satan, Azhar, and Patta, were behind the unrest, and 104 inmates, including them, were transferred yesterday to Dumbara, Welikada, Boossa, Kalutara, Badulla, Batticaloa, and Polonnaruwa prisons.

Due to property damage caused by the unrest inside the Mahara Prison, a notice signed by the Mahara Prison Superintendent was displayed near the prison entrance stating that inmate visits will not take place for three days starting today.

Prison Media Spokesperson and Commissioner of Prisons A.C. Gajanayake stated that a prompt investigation into the unrest at the Mahara Prison commenced.

Against this backdrop, a group of representatives from an international human rights organisation arrived at the Mahara Prison premises yesterday to look into the current situation.