Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara has expressed concern that the recent unrest and fire at Mahara Prison may be part of a broader attempt to disrupt the country's prison administration.
Making a special statement in Parliament today (August 4), the Minister said authorities are investigating whether the Mahara incident could trigger similar disturbances in other prisons across Sri Lanka.
He noted that the government is strengthening coordination among relevant agencies to ensure any future incidents can be brought under control while minimizing the risk to lives.
The Minister also revealed that intelligence regarding the possibility of similar unrest in two or three other prisons has already been shared with senior officials of the Department of Prisons for necessary action.
Referring to recent incidents, Nanayakkara said the disturbance at Negombo Prison was linked to a dispute among inmates allegedly involving narcotics, whereas the Mahara incident appeared to be a direct challenge to prison authorities.
According to the Minister, nearly 1,000 inmates were allegedly involved in the coordinated acts of arson at Mahara Prison, raising suspicions that an organized group may have planned the attack. He stressed that if evidence confirms such a conspiracy, those responsible will face legal action.
The Minister further emphasized that the property damaged during the fire was funded through taxpayers' money and that rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure would also require public funds.
Meanwhile, a special committee chaired by Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has been appointed to investigate the incident. The committee includes Minister Ananda Wijepala, senior government officials, representatives of the Sri Lanka Police, the Government Analyst's Department, and the Attorney General's Department.
