Tension Erupts at Mahara Prison; Several Inmates Injured

02-Aug-2026

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The Department of Prisons has stated that measures are currently being taken to bring a tense situation at Mahara Prison under control.

The unrest reportedly erupted following a confrontation between inmates and prison officials.

According to initial reports, five inmates sustained injuries during the incident and have been admitted to the Ragama Hospital for treatment.

Additional prison officers have been deployed to restore order, while police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel have been stationed outside the prison to provide security.

Prison sources further stated that inmates had set fire to the office of the Chief Jailor as well as the disciplinary division of the prison. Firefighting measures are currently under way to contain the blaze.

Relatives who had arrived to visit inmates were not permitted to enter the prison premises and have remained gathered outside the facility.

Some of those waiting outside told the media that they had heard several gunshots from inside the prison.

However, the Department of Prisons has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident or the reports emerging from within the prison.