A tense situation has been reported inside the Mahara Prison, prompting authorities to deploy special police teams to the premises.
Police said several special teams have been dispatched to assess and respond to the situation, while Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel have also been deployed outside the prison as a precaution.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said coordination efforts are underway through the Commissioner General of Prisons to bring the situation under control.
According to residents in the area, the sound of gunshots has been heard, while thick smoke has been seen rising from the prison premises.
Police Spokesperson F.U. Wootler said that, according to the information available so far, inmates are allegedly attempting to escape by breaking through the prison’s 15-foot-high front gate.
