Around 40 inmates escape from rehabilitation center in Sri Lanka amid clash

Colombo: Around 40 inmates escaped from the state-run Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in North Central province in Sri Lanka on Wednesday night, Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Darshana Hettiarachchi said on Thursday.

Hettiarachchi told media that the inmates had escaped amid a clash between two groups of recovering addicts.

He said police have brought the clash under control, and search operations will be launched to apprehend the escapees.

Over 60 inmates escaped from the center on Jan. 12.

Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said steps would be taken to change the management at Kandakadu.

In December 2023, over 130 inmates escaped from the facility, and it also occurred during a clash between two groups.