•  STF called in, warning shots to the air and tear gas fired 

All inmates of the Matara Prison are currently being transferred to nearby prisons, according to the Prisons Department Spokesperson. 

Following the unrest that occurred at the Matara Prison on Tuesday (22), steps were taken yesterday morning (23) to transfer these inmates.

Matara Prison Superintendent Mangala Weliwita stated that three Prison officers were injured during the unrest and have been admitted to the District General Hospital in Matara.

It was reported yesterday morning that the unrest which erupted has now been brought under control. Prison sources confirmed on Tuesday night that the situation had been brought under control to a considerable extent. However, late Tuesday night, it was again reported that the clash between two groups of inmates at the Matara Prison was continuing, with tear gas being fired to control the situation.

The Police Special Task Force (STF) had also been called in to help bring the situation under control and deployed to ensure security outside the facility, the Police said.

The disturbance reportedly began at around 8 p.m. on Tuesday when the Prison authorities attempted to transfer two inmates from the Matara Prison to the Angunakolapelessa Prison. In response, a group of inmates from one of the wards began to protest and exhibited unruly behaviour. In response, a group of inmates in the high-security cells attacked Prison officers with stones. Accordingly, Prison officials were compelled to fire warning shots into the air in an attempt to restore order.