Jan 26, Colombo: Sri Lanka Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Chandrasiri Gajadeera has taken steps to take the prison intelligence wing under the direct control of the Ministry.

The Minister took these measures following the recent clash in the Magazine remand prison that injured 26 prisoners and 5 prison officials. Also Rs. 7.5 million worth property was damaged when the prisoners set fire to the prison buildings.

It is believed that prisoners remanded for drug offences were behind the clash.

The special intelligence wing was assigned to prevent the illegal activities in the prisons. The unit earlier reported to the superintendent of the relevant prison. The Ministry says that the process was unproductive.

Prisons intelligence service has 84 officials including the Superintendent of the unit. The officers have been trained by the Police Special Task Force (STF) to combat drug peddling and other crimes inside the prisons.