Mahara Prison unrest brought under control; one inmate killed, extensive damage reported

Glocal
By Editor_1
Sri Lanka's Army personnel arrives after a riot at the Mahara Prison complex on the outskirts of Colombo on Saturday (August 1, 2026). At least one inmate was killed and another six were taken to hospital after a riot at a prison outside Sri Lanka's capital on Saturday police said - Ishara S. Kodikara / AFP

COLOMBO – The Sri Lanka Police said the unrest that broke out at Mahara Prison has now been brought under control, following a night of violence in which one inmate was killed and six others were injured.

Police confirmed that by Sunday (2) morning, prison officials with the assistance of security forces had fully restored order inside the high-security facility on the outskirts of Colombo.

The injured inmates were admitted to the Ragama Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Authorities said inmates caused extensive damage during the unrest, setting fire to administrative buildings and destroying official records.

Key facilities, including the prison kitchen, rehabilitation building, rehabilitation office, Chief Jailer’s Office and the prison hospital, were among those significantly damaged.

It is also reported that a group of inmates attempted to escape during clashes with prison authorities throughout Saturday (Aug 1) night. Security forces said several escape attempts were successfully thwarted.

Firefighters were later allowed into the prison compound to extinguish fires that had spread across multiple sections of the facility, while ambulances were deployed to evacuate the injured.

Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel, Navy troops and regular police units were deployed to the prison to bring the situation under control.

AFP reported that its photographer at the scene had observed military vehicles and additional security personnel stationed around the prison complex during the height of the unrest.

Following the incident, relatives of inmates gathered outside the prison demanding information about their family members and expressing concern over their safety.

The Department of Prisons said it launched an immediate investigation into the incident, while Prisons Spokesperson Commissioner A.C. Gajanayake, told the media on Sunday that authorities were working to determine the exact cause of the unrest.

He confirmed that several key prison facilities were extensively damaged during the incident.

Gajanayake also appealed to relatives of inmates gathered outside the prison to disperse peacefully as the situation had been brought under control.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa called for urgent reforms to Sri Lanka’s prison system, saying the Mahara unrest reflects deeper institutional failures rather than an isolated incident.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he questioned how many more lives would be lost before meaningful action is taken.

“This is the second major prison disturbance in a matter of weeks. It is no longer an isolated incident. It is the result of poor management, negligence, and a prison system that is under immense strain,” he said.

Rajapaksa further said recurring unrest was the result of poor administration, weak leadership and the deterioration of the prison system.

He also questioned why the Department of Prisons continues to function without a permanently appointed Commissioner General despite the ongoing crisis.

“Even today, the Department of Prisons continues without a permanently appointed Commissioner General, despite the crisis unfolding before us. Why has this critical position still not been properly filled?” he asked.

While acknowledging that increased security deployments may temporarily restore order, Rajapaksa stressed that such measures would not address underlying structural issues.

He highlighted overcrowding, inadequate facilities, poor healthcare and the lack of rehabilitation programmes as urgent concerns requiring sustained attention.

“The Government must stop firefighting and start fixing a prison system that is showing clear signs of institutional failure,” he said.

The Mahara incident comes less than a month after a deadly riot at Negombo Prison that left 10 prison officers and 21 inmates dead, further intensifying scrutiny of Sri Lanka’s prison system.

Official figures indicate that prisons are currently operating at nearly four times their intended capacity.

Authorities have previously announced plans to convert unused state buildings into detention facilities to ease overcrowding, though those measures are yet to be implemented.

Mahara Prison itself was the site of a major riot during the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2020, when 11 inmates were killed and more than 100 injured in unrest linked to overcrowding and health concerns.

–ENCL

Editor_1
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