Sri Lanka deployed hundreds of troops and elite commandos on Sunday to quell a riot at Mahara Prison, located near the capital Colombo, after inmates set fire to multiple buildings. The unrest resulted in one prisoner’s death and injuries to six others, according to Deputy Police Inspector-General Sanjeewa Medawatte.

Authorities said the situation was brought under control following the deployment of reinforcements from the armed forces and the Special Task Force commandos to restore order and return inmates to their cells. The inmates had caused extensive damage, destroying the prison’s kitchen, hospital, a recently constructed rehabilitation center, and vocational training facilities.

The Mahara Prison is known for being overcrowded, a factor often linked to such disturbances. This incident follows a series of violent outbreaks in the region’s correctional facilities. In November 2020, a riot at Mahara led to the deaths of 11 inmates and injuries to nearly 120 others. More recently, a riot in a nearby prison approximately one month ago resulted in the deaths of 10 prison guards and 21 inmates.

Officials have not yet detailed the causes of the latest uprising. Sri Lanka’s prison system has faced ongoing challenges related to overcrowding and resource limitations, contributing to repeated episodes of violence. Security forces remain on high alert in the area as investigations continue.