IGP instructs CID to investigate the Mahara Prison Riot

59 prisoners were injured in the Mahara Prison Riots, said DIG Ajith Rohana adding 02 Prison Officers were injured as well, while 08 prisoners were killed during the riots.

A special team lead by a Senior Superintendent of Police was appointed to investigate the Mahara Prison Riot and the deaths, he said.

Sri Lanka Police reported to facts to the court in terms of the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, to conduct a magisterial inquest on the deceased.

The bodies of the dead prisoners are at the Ragama Teaching Hospital morgue.

In addition Scene of Crime Officers or SOCO from the Gampaha, Kelaniya, Negombo Divisions were deployed to collect scientific evidence from the crime scene and a special police team was also deployed to probe the damages caused to property, especially the cost of the damage that would be ascertained on Tuesday.

78 suspects who were granted bail were moved to the Adalachchenai Quarantine Facility to undergo mandatory quarantine and once completed they would be released, said the Police Spokesperson.

Further, 187 COVID-19 positive inmates have been moved to the Colombo Prison and they will be detained at a separate enclosure.

In addition, 200 Police Special Task Force personnel were stationed to maintain an outer perimeter of the Mahara Prison.

An additional police force of 400 police officers were also deployed to maintain security on the premises.