Police have arrested a 30-year-old suspect accused of planning to assassinate prison officers on the instructions of an overseas-based criminal, according to law enforcement authorities.

A 30-year-old resident of Badovita has been taken into custody by Sahaspura Police in connection with an alleged assassination plot targeting prison officers. According to police statements, the suspect was arrested following an investigation that included examination of his mobile phone, which reportedly contained evidence of the planned attack.

Investigators claim to have discovered communications indicating that the suspect was acting under instructions from an individual known as "Kos Malli," described by police as an organized criminal and drug trafficker operating from overseas. The police report states that audio recordings of conversations between the suspect and Kos Malli were found during the phone examination, allegedly discussing plans to murder two prison officers.

Additional details provided by police indicate that the suspect had recently been released on bail approximately three days before unrest occurred at the New Magazine Prison. Authorities also note that the suspect maintained close associations with Mohamed Asman, an organized criminal who died during the prison disturbance. Police further stated that Asman had previously acted as a gunman in a double homicide on Watarappola Road in Dehiwala during the previous year.

The arrest represents authorities' response to what they characterize as a coordinated threat against correctional personnel, though detailed information regarding charges or legal proceedings remains limited.