Justice Minister claims signs of 'organized sabotage' in Mahara Prison Riot

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara claimed there were signs that the riot at Mahara Prison last Saturday was 'organized sabotage'.

Speaking in Parliament, the Minister stated that prisoners had set fire to several areas of the prison, indicating an intention to make the prison inoperable.

Police imposed a curfew in the areas surrounding Mahara Prison on Saturday night and fully contained the situation on Sunday.

Context

The unrest broke out inside Mahara Prison on Saturday evening after three inmates, according to the Minister, staged a protest on the prison roof.

After prison officials failed to negotiate with the three prisoners, around 1,000 other inmates joined them, escalating the situation.

Prison officers then used tear gas and rubber bullets to contain the riot, with inmates reportedly pelting stones at the entrance of the prison.

'Organized Sabotage'

The Minister claimed that unlike the unrest that developed in Negombo Prison early last month, which was sparked by clashes among inmates, there were signs that the situation in Mahara was more organized.

The Minister claimed that prisoners had set fire to key facilities, such as the kitchen and cafeteria area, infirmary, and offices, in what appeared to be an effort to make the prison inoperable.

Investigations in this regard are ongoing, Nanayakkara added, saying action will be taken against those who conspired in creating the unrest.