Authorities are investigating whether a series of disturbances across multiple prisons over the past two days represent a coordinated operation, with preliminary findings suggesting possible organized involvement, though investigations remain ongoing.
Prison unrest has swept through several correctional facilities in Sri Lanka, prompting Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala to alert Parliament that the incidents may be part of a deliberate, coordinated campaign. The disturbances began at Negombo Prison before spreading to facilities in Colombo, Kuruwita, and Pallansena within the span of two days.
The situation at Colombo Magazine Prison escalated on Thursday evening when approximately 40 inmates allegedly broke out of a ward and engaged in disorderly conduct. Prison officers and Special Task Force personnel intervened, and authorities brought the disturbance under control, though one inmate died and ten others sustained injuries during the incident. The injured have been transferred to the National Hospital for treatment. The unrest at Kuruwita Prison proved more severe, resulting in two deaths and injuries to 13 inmates, who were admitted to Ratnapura Hospital.
At Pallansena Open Prison Camp, roughly 30 inmates climbed onto a prison ward roof in protest after being released from their cells for breakfast. Prison officials and police are continuing efforts to resolve the situation peacefully. Minister Wijepala acknowledged that intelligence reports and preliminary investigation findings have raised suspicions of organized coordination, though he emphasized that comprehensive investigations are still underway and no definitive conclusions have been reached. Authorities have identified immediate factors as including drug-related and underworld-linked activities within prisons.
Wijepala stressed that based on the emerging pattern, the disturbances show signs of being part of a broader plan rather than isolated incidents. He noted that authorities are working collectively across prison management, the Justice Ministry, the Department of Prisons, and police to restore order while ensuring the safety of inmates and personnel. All other prison facilities have been brought under control, with enhanced security deployment where necessary.
