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Sri Lanka jail riot 'injures 28' in Colombo Sri Lanka jail riot 'injures 28' in Colombo
(40 minutes later)
At least 28 people have been injured in clashes between guards and rioting inmates at a prison in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, police say. At least 28 people have been injured in clashes between guards and rioting inmates at a prison in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, police say.
Reports say guards opened fire to restore order and most of the injured are prisoners with bullet wounds. Guards opened fire - most of the injured are inmates with bullet wounds. Unconfirmed reports say three are dead.
Police say inmates were angered by moves to curtail drug smuggling in the Welikada (or Magazine) jail. Prisoners are reported to have set fire to a kitchen and an administrative building at Welikada (Magazine) jail.
A local resident told the Associated Press that disturbances had been going on for several days. Reports say they want better food and conditions. Police say inmates are angry at moves to curb drug smuggling.
A local resident told the Associated Press there had been disturbances at the prison for several days.
Police spokesman Ajith Rohana said 24 prisoners and four guards had been hurt in Tuesday's violence.Police spokesman Ajith Rohana said 24 prisoners and four guards had been hurt in Tuesday's violence.
AP quoted a doctor at Colombo National Hospital saying most of the prisoners had gunshot wounds. Three guards had been hit by stones and another had a fractured leg.AP quoted a doctor at Colombo National Hospital saying most of the prisoners had gunshot wounds. Three guards had been hit by stones and another had a fractured leg.
None of the injuries was life threatening, Dr Prasad Ariyawansa said.None of the injuries was life threatening, Dr Prasad Ariyawansa said.
But one of the inmates told the BBC Sinhala service that three prisoners were in fact dead, contradicting what police told journalists outside. It was impossible to confirm the report.
Pictures from the scene showed soldiers deployed outside the jail as black smoke billowed into the air from inside the complex.Pictures from the scene showed soldiers deployed outside the jail as black smoke billowed into the air from inside the complex.
Prisoners are reported to have set fire to a kitchen and an administrative building. A number of prisoners have been demonstrating on rooftops with a banner calling for the prison chief to be removed.
A number of inmates have been demonstrating on rooftops with a banner calling for the prison chief to be removed.
Welikada is a maximum security jail described as Sri Lanka's largest.Welikada is a maximum security jail described as Sri Lanka's largest.