Justice Minister suspects outside role in Mahara Prison unrest

Monday, 3 August 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara yesterday said authorities suspect the recent unrest at Mahara Prison may have been orchestrated by external parties and will investigate whether there was organised outside involvement.

Speaking to the media, the Minister said the Mahara incident was fundamentally different from the disturbance reported at Negombo Prison. He said the Negombo incident was a clash between inmates, whereas the Mahara unrest involved inmates and the prison administration.

Nanayakkara said the authorities suspected certain groups may have been organising prison unrest from outside, noting that such incidents had not previously occurred without apparent cause.

He acknowledged that prison overcrowding remained a factor contributing to tensions but said the issue predated the current Government and that measures were being taken to address it.

The Minister also condemned the damage caused to public property during the unrest and said those responsible would face legal action following an investigation.