Mahara Prison Left In Ruins Following Violent Inmate Unrest

COLOMBO (News 1st): The unrest that erupted inside the Mahara Prison has now been brought under complete control.

But as authorities restore normalcy, the scale of destruction left behind inside the prison complex reveals the severity of the incident.

The disturbance, which began around 4.30 yesterday evening, continued until this morning, involving nearly 4,000 inmates, including both remand and convicted prisoners.

While the situation outside the prison has now been brought under control, authorities say the unrest had initially spread beyond the prison walls, requiring the deployment of the Police, the Special Task Force, and all three armed forces to regain control.

Exclusive footage obtained by News 1st reveals the extent of the damage caused at the Mahara Prison, showing severe destruction. 

Wards and cells have been left damaged, with doors, fittings, and equipment destroyed during the unrest.

Several key facilities within the prison premises have also suffered extensive damage.

A newly constructed building, intended for administrative purposes, has been damaged, while rehabilitation facilities used for inmate training programmes have also been destroyed.

Workshops that supported rehabilitation activities, including vocational training, have been affected, along with the equipment used for these programmes.

One of the most severely affected areas is the prison kitchen.

The facility has been completely destroyed after being set on fire, with boilers, cooking equipment, and other essential items reduced to ashes.

Authorities say furnace oil was used during the destruction, causing further damage to the facility.

The prison hospital has also sustained significant damage, affecting a crucial facility responsible for providing medical care to inmates.

The incident has resulted in the death of one inmate, while several others were injured and admitted for medical treatment.

Authorities are now assessing the full extent of the damage, while investigations continue into the cause of the unrest.