Magazine Prison unrest brought under control

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara says the unrest at the Magazine Prison in Colombo has been completely brought under control, with around ten inmates suspected of involvement set to be transferred to other prisons.

The unrest reportedly began after a prison officer took possession of a small parcel that had been thrown into the prison over the boundary wall last night (August 6).

Following this, a group of inmates began behaving violently, and more than 40 inmates later broke the locks of a prison cell and came out.

Prison officers, Police and officers of the Police Special Task Force (STF) worked together to bring the situation under control and return the inmates to their cells.

Meanwhile, members of the three Armed Forces have been deployed to strengthen security within the prison premises and the surrounding area.

Sri Lanka Air Force drones have also been used to monitor the situation and support security operations at the prison.