Samagi Janabala Vega MP Harin Fernando and several other parliamentarians have arrived near the Mahara Prison.

The MPs visited the prison premises to gather information about the riots that broke out at the Mahara prison earlier this week killing 11 inmates.

However, the MPs have not yet been allowed to enter the Mahara Prison and they remain outside until they are given permission.

Gruesome images taken at the prison after the riot went viral on social media yesterday. Family members of the inmates gathered outside the prison premises yesterday urging the authorities to ensure the safety of their loved ones. The government members claimed that the prisoners who rioted were under the influence of a certain "tablet" which made their behavior aggressive.

Defence Ministry Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said that the situation had been brought under control and the administration of the prison was handed over to prison authorities last evening.