One inmate killed and 11 injured as tree branch falls on section of Matara Prison

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One inmate was killed and 11 others injured after the branch of a Bo tree fell onto two buildings housing prisoners at the Matara Prison last night.

Prisons Commissioner and Department Spokesman Gamini B. Dissanayake said the incident occurred at about 10.00pm yesterday. Elevan suspects and one inmate who were in the two buildings suffered injuries and were admitted to the Matara Hospital, where the inmate succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased inmate is a 32-year-old resident of Midigama and had been serving a two-month sentence for drug offences, the Spokesman said.

Given the emergency situation, the police, Special Task Force and the army were deployed to strengthen security outside the prison. The Matara Prison authorities have commenced an investigation into the incident, Mr Dissanayake further added.

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