Colombo (News 1st);  05 COVID-19 patients and prisoners have escaped from the COVID-19 treatment facility located in Gallella in Polonnaruwa, said Sri Lanka Police on Thursday (31).

Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said the break-out had taken place at 03:30 AM on Thursday (31).

The prisoners were admitted to the COVID-19 treatment facility located in Gallella from the Negombo Prison, where they were held in remand.

The Police Spokesperson said the escapees have pending cases in the courts and a majority of them are addicted to drugs.

He said Sri Lanka Police and the Security Forces have launched a joint search operation in Polonnaruwa to locate the escapees and support from the general public is requested to apprehend them without delay.

Further, the SSP of Polonnaruwa is leading the investigation over the break-out.

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