A group of female inmates previously held at the Negombo Prison has been transferred to other correctional facilities, according to the Department of Prisons.

The Department stated that the inmates were transferred yesterday (08) to Wariyapola and Bogambara prisons. The group reportedly included several foreign female inmates who had also been detained at the Negombo Prison.

The transfers follow the unrest at the Negombo Prison earlier this week, during which a group of female inmates staged a protest. However, the protest has since ended, and the inmates are now being relocated to other prisons in a phased and orderly manner, Prisons Media Spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake said.

Meanwhile, arrangements are continuing to transfer male inmates from the Negombo Prison to other facilities. The Department of Prisons said the relocations are being carried out after reviewing available facilities and capacity at other prisons.

Reports indicate that approximately 1,000 inmates remain at Negombo Prison.

In a related development, police have launched investigations into the deaths of three inmates at the Agunukolapelessa, Boossa and Welikada prisons.

The Police Media Division said the investigations are being conducted by police stations responsible for the areas where the prisons are located.

Two inmates who had recently been transferred from the Negombo Prison to Agunukolapelessa Prison and Boossa Prison died after being admitted to hospitals following sudden health complications.

Another inmate at the Welikada Prison was reported to have died by suicide.

Police said the relevant stations have been informed of the deaths and investigations are underway into the circumstances surrounding the incidents.