• Relocation to Angunakolapelessa underway 

One prison inmate has been reported dead, and at least 11 others have been injured and hospitalised following an incident involving a large ‘Bo’ tree branch falling within the Matara Prison premises on Wednesday (1) night.  

Police confirm that 11 of the injured inmates are still receiving medical care treatment at the Matara District General Hospital with one inmate reported to be in serious condition.  

The incident occurred at approximately 10.14 p.m. when a nearby large ‘Bo’ tree branch fell onto Wards G and F at the prison, injuring 12 inmates, while one of them succumbed to his injuries upon admission to the hospital. The deceased, a 34-year-old inmate, was a resident of the Turkish Village in Midigama, and was incarcerated for failing to pay a Rs. 20,000 fine related to drug trafficking. The injured inmates, aged between 25 and 52, are residents of various areas, including Denipitiya, Mirissa, Weligama, Galle, Matara, Gandara, Batapola, Deiyandara, and Galgamuwa. At the time of the incident, nearly 100 inmates were housed in Wards G and F. 

Steps have been taken to transfer inmates held under Section 54 at the Matara Prison to the Angunakolapelessa Prison. Matara Prison Superintendent Mangala Weliwita said that the decision was prompted by the limited space in the Matara Prison and the need to manage the aftermath of the accident.

Meanwhile, the prison authorities have ensured heightened security at the prison following the incident, with the Police and Police Special Task Force providing external security, while officers from the Galle and Matara Prisons are overseeing the internal security. Despite the incident, Weliwita confirmed that regular prison activities are continuing as usual.