Coordinated Prison Conspiracy? Sri Lanka Probes Wave of Unrest Across Prisons

COLOMBO (News 1st); A series of prison disturbances reported across the country, beginning in Negombo and later spreading to Colombo, Kuruwita and Pallansena, has prompted authorities to investigate whether the incidents are part of a coordinated and potentially destabilising operation, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament.

Addressing the House, the Minister said prison unrest first emerged at Negombo Prison before spreading to other correctional facilities over the past two days.

According to Wijepala, a tense situation developed at Colombo Magazine Prison at around 10.00 p.m. yesterday (6), followed by a separate disturbance at Kuruwita Prison at approximately 6.30 a.m. today (7). He also confirmed that an agitation is currently underway at the Pallansena Open Prison Camp.

The Minister said intelligence reports and preliminary findings from ongoing investigations have raised suspicions that the incidents may have involved an organised and coordinated element. However, he stressed that investigations are continuing and that no final conclusion has yet been reached.

He noted that the immediate factors identified thus far include drug-related and underworld-linked activities, adding that authorities have already taken steps to suppress such influences within the prison system.

Wijepala revealed that the unrest at Magazine Prison began when around 40 inmates allegedly broke out of a ward and engaged in disorderly behaviour on Thursday (6) night. Prison officers, assisted by Special Task Force personnel, subsequently intervened and brought the situation under control.

One inmate died and 10 others were injured during the incident. The injured are currently receiving treatment at the National Hospital, according to the Minister.

The Public Security Minister further stated that the situation at Kuruwita Prison turned more serious, resulting in two deaths and injuries to 13 inmates. Those injured have been admitted to Ratnapura Hospital for treatment.

At Pallansena Open Prison Camp, around 30 inmates were reported to have climbed onto the roof of a prison ward and launched a protest. These inmates had resorted to such action after they were allowed to leave their cells for breakfast. Wijepala said prison officials and police officers are continuing efforts to peacefully resolve the situation.

He emphasized that authorities are attempting to bring all disturbances under control while ensuring the safety of both inmates and officers. Prison authorities, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Prisons and the Police are working together to prevent further escalation, he added.

The Minister said all other prison facilities have now been brought under control and security has been strengthened with the deployment of Police and Special Task Force personnel where necessary.

Wijepala stressed that, based on the current pattern of incidents, authorities have observed indications that the disturbances may not be isolated events but could be unfolding according to a broader plan. He said there are signs of a possible disruptive or conspiratorial element behind the incidents, although definitive conclusions will only be reached after comprehensive investigations are completed.

The government, he said, remains committed to restoring order and ensuring that all prison disturbances are dealt with while protecting lives and maintaining security across the country's correctional facilities.