Mahara Prison Damage Estimated at Over Rs. 150 Million Following Deadly Unrest 

Damage caused during the unrest at Mahara Prison is estimated to exceed Rs. 150 million, with investigations now underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Department of Prisons said.

Authorities said several prison buildings sustained extensive damage, including destroyed roof tiles and structural damage. Equipment used for vocational rehabilitation programmes, including sewing activities, was also damaged during the violence.

The unrest, which began at around 4.00 p.m. on Saturday (01) at the prison housing more than 4,100 inmates, continued for over 13 hours before security forces brought the situation under control at around 6.00 a.m. on Sunday (02). During the incident, inmates allegedly threw stones from inside the prison until midnight, damaging several nearby houses.

According to preliminary police investigations, the unrest was allegedly led by four inmates identified as "Saathan," "Asaar," "Petta," and another inmate.

Following the incident, the Department of Prisons transferred 104 inmates suspected of involvement in the unrest to seven other prisons, including Boossa Prison.

One inmate died and nine others were injured during the violence. Seven injured inmates were admitted to the Ragama Teaching Hospital, where one later succumbed to injuries. The deceased was identified as a 33-year-old resident of Hendala, Wattala, who had been remanded over allegations of motorcycle theft and possession of 20 grams of crystal methamphetamine ("ice").

Reports indicate the unrest may have been triggered by tensions linked to a shortage of narcotics inside the prison after authorities intensified measures to curb drug circulation within the facility.

The situation reportedly escalated after four inmates climbed onto the prison roof in protest against the prison administration. A senior prison official who attempted to address their concerns was allegedly met with stone attacks.

Prison officers later withdrew after securing essential items, including medicines from the prison hospital, sharp equipment from the kitchen, and firearms from the armoury.

During the unrest, around 1,500 inmates allegedly attempted to escape by damaging a section of a wall under construction, prompting prison officers to open fire to prevent the escape. Another group reportedly set fire to a prison building, while some inmates allegedly broke into a storage facility containing confiscated narcotics and consumed the substances.

Inmates also broke the locks of several prison wards, allowing others to leave their cells. However, some prisoners reportedly remained inside their cells and were allegedly assaulted by those involved in the unrest.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the Mahara incident differed from the recent unrest at Negombo Prison, noting that the Mahara incident involved a confrontation between inmates and prison authorities, unlike the inmate clash reported at Negombo.

The Minister also said authorities suspect certain groups may have coordinated prison unrest from outside the facilities and that investigations would examine whether there was any external involvement.

He further identified prison overcrowding as one of the factors that could contribute to unrest, while noting that steps are being taken to address the issue. The Minister added that a separate investigation would be conducted into the damage caused to public property during the Mahara Prison unrest and that legal action would be taken against those found responsible.