April 30, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have initiated an internal investigation following the death of a remand prisoner at Colombo’s Magazine Prison, amid growing concern over custodial conditions and oversight.
The inquiry is being led by an Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, with officials tasked with examining the circumstances that led to the fatal incident. In parallel, a police-led investigation is also underway, signalling the seriousness with which the matter is being treated.
Several prison personnel have been taken into custody in connection with the case. A jailer and four prison guards have been remanded, with two of the guards ordered to remain in custody until May 07 after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
Meanwhile, three others arrested earlier—including the jailer—have been further remanded until May 06.
Law enforcement officials stated that the investigation is being carried out under the direction of senior police leadership in Colombo, with multiple units working together to piece together the sequence of events.
Preliminary findings suggest the incident stemmed from a confrontation inside the prison involving two inmates and a guard. All three individuals sustained injuries during the clash and were subsequently hospitalised. One of the detainees later died while receiving treatment.
The deceased, a 37-year-old man from Nawagampura, had been in remand custody over a narcotics-related offence at the time of the incident.
Officials have indicated that, beyond determining individual responsibility, the inquiry will also assess whether procedural lapses or excessive use of force contributed to the tragedy, raising broader questions about prison management and detainee welfare.