Tensions at Kuruwita Prison resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries after inmates clashed on Thursday night and Friday morning, with authorities deploying tear gas to restore order.
Unrest erupted at Kuruwita Prison beginning Thursday evening, with a renewed outbreak of violence among inmates on Friday morning, according to prison and police authorities. The disturbances prompted officials to deploy tear gas in an effort to bring the situation under control.
Two individuals died during the incident, though sources differ on the exact number of injured. NewsFirst reported 11 people sustained injuries and were admitted to Ratnapura Hospital, while Ada Derana cited four injured individuals receiving hospital treatment. A prison spokesperson confirmed that inmates caused damage to the prison hospital facility during the unrest.
Authorities responded by strengthening security measures around the facility. The Department of Prisons deployed Police and the Police Special Task Force to the Kuruwita Prison premises, according to NewsFirst. A senior police officer confirmed that a tense situation had developed within the prison and that security measures were immediately activated in response to the disturbances.
The situation remained fluid as of Friday, with authorities working to prevent further escalation. Prison officials did not provide additional details about the underlying causes of the inmate unrest at the time of reporting.
