Deputy Police Inspector General Sanjeewa Medawatte reported that the situation at the Maharajapuram prison, located near Colombo, has been brought under control following widespread disturbances. Medawatte stated that order was restored after the inmates were responsible for damaging several buildings within the facility. He confirmed that reinforcements, including personnel from the armed forces and Special Forces, were deployed to manage the situation and ensure the return of the inmates to their respective cells.
This incident of unrest follows a pattern of violence at the correctional facility. Historically, the prison has seen significant disturbances. Specifically, riots broke out in November 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 11 inmates and injured nearly 120 others.
Furthermore, the most recent unrest occurred in the same region only about a month prior. That earlier episode of riots proved even more fatal, leading to the deaths of 10 guards and 21 inmates. The repeated nature of these violent incidents underscores ongoing security challenges within the correctional system.
Authorities have utilized specialized military and police units to manage the escalating tensions and restore stability following the destruction observed during the latest disturbances.
Topics: #prison #inmates #riots
