The Ragama Hospital Director said the death toll of the unrest which broke out at the Mahara prison last night has risen to 08.

He also added that 52 inmates have been admitted to hospital following the riots. Two prison officers have also been hospitalized. Two offficers who were held hostage by prisoners have been saved.

Prison authorities claim that the officers were compelled to open fire as some inmates attempted to escape during the riot.

A major fire also broke out within the prison premises during the riots foring the prison authorities to call in the Police Special Task Froce ad the Navy to bring the situation under control.

Speaking on the matter in Parliament today, Prison Reforms State Minister Sudarshini Fernandopulle said the further investigations with regard to the incident would be handled by the CID. In addition to the CID inquiry, a comittee headed by the Secretary to the State Ministry of Prison Reforms has also been appointed to look into the incident.