Several properties of the Mahara Prison have been destroyed following the unrest that occurred last evening.
Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said the prison’s registry, several prison cells, and food store were destroyed in the fire ignited by the inmates of the prison.
The offices of the Prison Superintendent (SP) and Assistant Superintended (ASP) have also been destroyed in the fire.
DIG Ajith Rohana further said among the two prison officials who were injured in the unrest, one officer is in critical condition.
The Police Spokesman further said prison officials will take some time to ascertain the details of 08 inmates who were killed in the unrest as the prison registry containing the details of all inmates was destroyed in the fire.
Seventy-one inmates who were injured in the incident have been admitted to the Colombo North Teaching hospital.
The unrest broke out after a group of inmates had attempted to escape from the Mahara Prison over Covid fears, prompting prison officials to open fire to contain the situation.
Meanwhile, four prisoners from the Negombo prison staged a protest this evening.
The prisoners had climbed on to the roof of a prison building to urge authorities to expedite the hearing of their cases. (NewsWire)