Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara stated that the tense situation at the Magazine Prison in Borella has been brought completely under control.
He also confirmed that arrangements have been made to transfer approximately ten inmates suspected of instigating the incident to other prisons.
According to sources, the unrest began after a prison officer took custody of a small parcel that had been thrown over the prison wall.
Subsequently, a group of more than 40 inmates broke the locks of a cell block and emerged from their cells, said Ada Derana reporter.
Prison officers, assisted by the Police and the Police Special Task Force (STF), jointly carried out an operation to bring the situation under control and return the inmates to their cells.
Meanwhile, personnel from the tri-forces have been deployed to strengthen security within the prison premises and the surrounding area while Sri Lanka Air Force drones were also deployed to monitor the situation.
