Inmate dies after clash at Moneragala Prison

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

An investigation has been launched into the death of an inmate at the Moneragala Prison who had been a victim of assault.  

Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya said that an officer of the Moneragala Prison has also been injured and hospitalised after he was assaulted by an inmate.  

He said an inmate from Ampara who was imprisoned over a drug related offence had acted in an aggressive manner at the cell and had assaulted a prison officer.  

Several other officers had reportedly used minimum force to control the inmate. The injured inmate however was admitted to the Moneragala Hospital where he later succumbed to injuries.  

“As a result, there has been some tension in the Prisons, but the situation was brought under control by the officers. Additional officers were also brought to the Moneragala Prison alongwith the STF, Police and Army,” he said.  

The Commissioner General said an investigation into the incident was launched by the Badulla Prisons Superintendent and that action would be taken against the officers if they have abused their power.  
He said several damages to property have also been reported as a result of the incident.