The number of deaths following clashes at Welikada Prison has risen to 16 while at least 43 were wounded on Friday after inmates overpowered guards and fought gun battles with Police STF personnel.
Dr. Anil Jasinghe Director of Colombo National Hospital confirmed 16 deaths were reported and 43 were injured from the incident.
The situation in riot-hit Welikada Prison has been brought under control, police spokesman SSP Prishantha Jayakody said.
Clashes erupted as elite police special task force (STF) commandos carried out a search inside Colombo’s Welikada prison for drugs and smuggled mobile phones, a military official said.
Some of the inmates had grabbed weapons and reportedly used them, while prisoners were seen waving rifles on top of the roof. The adjoining Baseline Road was closed and Sri Lanka Army troops were later called in to control the situation.
Troops used armoured vehicles to move in reinforcements as inmates kept on firing, witnesses said.
Commanding officer of the Special Task Force (STF) DIG R.W.M.C. Ranawana is also among the injured persons and had undergone surgery last night.
Speaking to Ada Derana earlier yesterday, DIG Ranawana stated that the search operation was carried out according to information received regarding various illegal activities taking place within the Welikada Prison.
Several mobile phones were discovered during the operation, Ranawana said.
He stated that after the completion of the search operation inmates had pelted stones at the officers which resulted in a tense situation and prompted police to fire teargas.
