A tense situation that erupted at the Matara Prison on Tuesday night (22) has led to the transfer of all inmates to other prisons, prison authorities confirmed.
Initially, over 200 inmates, including 25 female prisoners, were transferred to the Agunukolapelessa Prison for security reasons, while the remaining inmates are being transferred to other prisons today.
According to prison authorities, over 250 inmates have been transferred from the Matara Prison as of now.
The unrest began around 8 p.m. when a group of inmates protested the planned transfer of two prisoners to another facility. The situation escalated as prisoners reportedly began attacking officers in upper security units with stones and other objects. Prison guards were forced to fire into the air to contain the violence.
Three prison officers sustained injuries during the clash and were admitted to the Matara General Hospital, according to Matara Prison Superintendent Mangala Weliwita.
The unrest flared up again closer to midnight, with prisoners damaging prison property. Riot control measures were implemented, including the use of tear gas and further aerial warning shots. Additional police teams from Matara, Galle, and Hambantota, as well as STF personnel and fire brigade units, were deployed to stabilize the situation.
Authorities say the situation was brought under control by early Wednesday morning. However, several storage areas within the prison complex had been damaged.
An official inquiry has been launched to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the disturbance. Prison sources also emphasized that no inmates sustained injuries or fatalities during the incident, urging families of prisoners not to be alarmed. (Newswire)