Legal action soon against 175 inmates

By Thameenah Razeek and Kumudu Upul Shantha

The Prisons Department will take legal action against 25 inmates who initiated the riot at the Mahara Prison and another 150 who aided and abetted.

Prisons Commissioner (Administration), Chandana Ekanayake, yesterday (2) claimed that the group of inmates who initiated and supported the riot have already been identified. 

Meanwhile, Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya added that more than 25 persons have been identified in this connection.

However, Police Spokesman Deputy Inspector General of Police Ajith Rohana noted that an assessment of the damage to properties due to arson has begun. 

Ekanayake said that about 2,500 detainees are currently being held there. 

When questioned as to whether they will take action against the Prison inmates who were to be bailed out, Ekanayake explained that they will take actions against all inmates who were involved. 

The Prisons Department has launched a probe regarding the 21,000 tablets which were stocked in the Mahara Prison premises.