One inmate was killed and 10 others were injured following the clash between two groups of inmates at the New Magazine Prison in Borella last night (06).

The unrest reportedly broke out after prison officers seized a parcel containing the narcotic substance ‘heroin’ that had been thrown into the prison premises from outside.

During the incident, a group of inmates allegedly threatened prison officers, after which around 45 inmates broke out of a cell and entered the prison grounds.

Police stated that a majority of those involved were associates of an organised criminal gang member known as “Kos Malli”.

Prison officials made efforts to control the situation after the group attempted to move towards the prison gate. However, one inmate died during a clash between the two groups.

The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Mohamed Asman Sherifdeen, a resident of Katuwana, Homagama.

He was reportedly facing charges in connection with several murders, including a double homicide at Watarappala Road in Mount Lavinia and another double murder in Negombo.

Authorities stated that he was also allegedly involved as a contract shooter for organised criminal figure “Homagama Handaya”. Several cases against him were pending before courts in Galle, Ampara, Negombo, and Homagama.

He had also initially been suspected as the gunman involved in the murder of “Ganemulla Sanjeewa”.

The Prisons Department confirmed that the 10 injured inmates were admitted to the prison hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, nine inmates who were allegedly involved in orchestrating the unrest have been transferred to another prison.

The Prisons Department said that a special investigation has been launched into the incident.