• Follows complaints and intimidation by organ. crime figures residing overseas

Following complaints to the Police by staff about receiving threats and intimidation from organised crime elements, the Prisons Department has taken steps to ensure the safety of its officers, it is learnt.

Last week, an Assistant Prison Superintendent at the Boossa High Security Prison filed a complaint with the Police regarding threats received from infamous organised crime figure Manikkuge Nuresh Supun Dayaratne alias Heenatiyana Mahesh. The crime suspect is reportedly operating a drug trafficking ring from Dubai.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (14), Prison Department Spokesperson Gamini B. Dissanayake stated that the threats were conveyed through two individuals who entered the Superintendent's house on a motorcycle. During the intrusion, the two individuals made a phone call to Heenatiyana Mahesh, who then threatened the Superintendent's father, demanding an end to the search operations within the Boossa prison. "The Inspector General of Police has been informed about the matter, and the Police Department has taken steps to provide the necessary security," said Dissanayake.

The incident follows a recent seizure of several phones from a special section of the prison, which has apparently sparked tension. An organised crime gang member currently detained at Boossa has also questioned the Superintendent regarding the seizure, adding to the mounting pressure on prison authorities.

Dissanayake assured that comprehensive security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of prison officers involved in the ongoing search and clearance operations within the facility. He emphasised: "The department has informed the officers to notify the relevant authorities about any threats. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have reinforced their commitment to maintaining security and order within the prison," he added.

The Boossa High Security Prison, known for housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the country, remains on high alert as investigations into the threat continue.