Sri Lanka strengthens prison security after deadly riot at overcrowded jail

Sri Lankan authorities have stepped up security measures at prisons across the country after a violent riot at Mahara Prison left one person dead and six others injured. The latest unrest has once again highlighted the serious overcrowding and growing pressure within the country’s prison system.

The violence broke out on Saturday at Mahara Prison, located about 15 kilometres from the capital Colombo. According to police sources, the disturbance began during family visiting hours when a group of inmates climbed onto rooftops, set fire to a building inside the prison compound and damaged several facilities. The unrest also resulted in the destruction of documents kept in administrative offices, while parts of the prison hospital, training centre and kitchen suffered extensive damage.

Law enforcement agencies, supported by the military and other security personnel, were deployed to regain control of the situation. Officials said the operation successfully ended the riot and prevented further violence from spreading within the prison. The Sri Lankan Air Force also assisted by deploying helicopters and drones to monitor the prison complex during the emergency.

The incident has renewed concerns about the country’s overcrowded prisons. Mahara Prison currently holds around 4,100 inmates despite having space for only about one quarter of that number. Similar conditions exist throughout Sri Lanka’s prison network, where more than 41,000 convicted prisoners are housed in 22 facilities built to accommodate only around 11,000 inmates. In addition to convicted prisoners, thousands of remand prisoners awaiting trial are also being held in these facilities, adding to the strain on available space and resources.

The latest violence comes only weeks after another deadly prison clash in the coastal town of Negombo. In early July, fighting between rival inmate groups resulted in the deaths of 10 prison officials and 20 prisoners over two days. Authorities described that incident as the country’s worst prison violence since 2012, prompting the deployment of police special forces, the military and navy to restore order.

Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Sajeewa Medawatta said security has now been increased at major prisons across the country, particularly those located near Colombo, including Negombo Prison. He said officials have transferred inmates back to their cells and are ensuring they receive food and water as normal while security operations continue. According to Medawatta, the combined efforts of police, military and prison authorities were crucial in bringing the Mahara situation under control.

Outside the prison, dozens of worried relatives gathered on Saturday evening seeking information about family members inside. Police established security cordons to prevent crowds from approaching the prison during the operation. To maintain public order, authorities also imposed a temporary curfew in three nearby villages. The restrictions remained in place overnight before being lifted by midday on Sunday after officials confirmed the situation had stabilised.

The repeated outbreaks of violence have intensified calls for reforms within Sri Lanka’s prison system. Human rights groups and legal experts have long warned that severe overcrowding, ageing infrastructure and limited resources have created dangerous conditions that increase the risk of unrest. The latest incident has added further pressure on the government to address these long standing challenges while ensuring the safety of both prison staff and inmates.