261 Kandakadu escapees remanded

COLOMBO (News 1st); A total of 598 inmates who fled the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre have surrendered to Sri Lankan authorities, and 261 of them were arrested and remanded by the Welikanda Magistrate's Court.

Police Spokesperson Attorney-at-Law Nihal Talduwa said investigations are underway to locate the remaining escapees.

997 people were held at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Welikanda, Polonnaruwa.

It was reported that words were exchanged between an inmate who was brought to the premises a month ago, and a counsellor at the premises over the possession tobacco.

This heated exchange later escalated to an all out brawl.

Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi said that the inmate in question had died pm Wednesday (29) morning, and he was a 36-year-old resident from Mutuwal.