August 10, Colombo (LNW): Damage to property following the violent unrest at Negombo Prison has been estimated at more than Rs. 100 million, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Department of Prisons said the assessment of the damage is still being finalised while investigations into the unrest remain in progress.
The violence broke out on July 5 when two groups of inmates clashed inside the prison. The disturbance caused extensive damage to buildings and other property, while a number of inmate registration and administrative records were also affected.
A total of 32 inmates died during the incident and more than 100 others sustained injuries.
Negombo Prison, which previously accommodated approximately 2,400 inmates, now has a population of just over 600 following the transfer of a large number of prisoners to other facilities.
The Department of Prisons said arrangements have been made to ensure that legal proceedings involving inmates continue despite the disruption. Some cases are being handled through online court proceedings, while inmates in other cases are being transported to court in person.
Meanwhile, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said a report concerning investigations into inmates involved in separate incidents at Kuruwita, Pallansena and New Magazine prisons is expected to be submitted today.
Three inmates died during the disturbances reported at New Magazine Prison on the night of July 6, followed by incidents at Kuruwita Prison and the Pallansena Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility the following day. Around 77 inmates were reportedly injured in those incidents.
Post-mortem examinations of two inmates who died during the unrest at Kuruwita Prison are also scheduled to be carried out today.
Authorities are continuing to examine the sequence of events surrounding the disturbances, including the extent of the damage and the circumstances that led to the outbreaks of violence at the different prison facilities.
