Several factors have been identified as possible causes of recent clashes at prisons across the country, with authorities now taking steps to address them, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing today (11) at the Department of Government Information, Minister Jayatissa said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched investigations into the incidents at several prisons.

More than 1,500 statements have been recorded from inmates and prison officers in connection with the incident at Negombo Prison, the Minister said.

He said 61 people have so far been named as suspects in connection with the killings that occurred during the incident. Police also arrested another suspect yesterday (10), while the case has been reported to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.

Meanwhile, statements have been recorded from 925 individuals in connection with the incident at Mahara Prison, while investigations into the incident at Kuruwita Prison are also continuing.

Minister Jayatissa said authorities are identifying those involved in the prison clashes as investigations progress.

The CID is also examining whether there is a link between the various incidents and whether any external parties were involved, he added.