Unrest at Matara Prison Controlled, Inmates Safe

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police have confirmed that the unrest at Matara Prison on Tuesday (22) night has been completely controlled, ensuring the safety of all inmates.

The disturbance began in the evening when three inmates were being transferred to another prison. To manage the situation, prison officials fired shots into the air. However, the unrest continued, prompting the police to deploy tear gas.

According to the police, the tear gas was used to control the situation when inmates from two wards attempted to break out by damaging the doors. Additional police officers and Special Task Force personnel were deployed to secure the prison.

Due to the unrest, 26 female inmates were transferred to another prison at night. The police have assured that the situation at Matara Prison is now fully under control.

"Last night around 7 PM, prison officials attempted to transfer several inmates to the Agunakolapelessa Prison. During this process, a disturbance occurred between the inmates and the officials, leading to some inmates breaking out of their wards. The incident was immediately reported, and as the Senior Police Officer of the Matara Division, I deployed the necessary personnel to ensure the security of the prison. We have now fully controlled the situation and ensured the safety of the inmates. We have provided the required support to the prison officials and will continue to assist them in managing the inmates. My message to the relatives of the inmates is not to worry. No inmate has been injured so far, and we will not allow any harm to come to them. No injuries have been reported among the officials or inmates," said SSP W. V. Ginige from the Matara Division.