The inmate identified as ‘Katuwellegama Suresh’ who is alleged to have orchestrated the unrest at Negombo Prison, has been transferred to Boossa Prison.
Suresh, who is reported to be a close associate of underworld figure ‘Kehelbaddara Padme,’ has been accused of multiple offences, including assault with sharp weapons, robbery, and the possession and trafficking of narcotics.
He has also been accused of attacking a Buddhist monk and an assistant at a temple in Narammala in 2016, tying them up and damaging a ‘chaithya’ (Buddhist pagoda).
A case against him is currently being heard before the Negombo High Court, while he remains in remand custody in connection with another case before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.
Reports indicate that Negombo Prison houses more than 2,400 short-term prisoners and remand inmates, including 26 alleged underworld gang members linked to various organised criminal groups.
The transfer comes in the aftermath of the deadly violence that broke out at the prison on July 5 and yesterday (06), which claimed the lives of 27 people, including seven prison officers.
More than 100 others were injured in the clashes, with 20 critically injured individuals transferred to the National Hospital in Colombo for further treatment.
As of this morning (07), the situation at Negombo Prison had been brought under control, with the Sri Lanka Army and other security forces maintaining security within and around the prison.
