Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said authorities were compelled to use the minimum necessary force, including live fire, to bring unrest at Kuruwita Prison under control.
The minister said the use of force became necessary after a disturbance broke out among a group of inmates at the prison this morning.
Two inmates were killed in the incident, while at least a dozen others sustained injuries and were admitted to hospital.
Tear gas was used to disperse the inmates and restore order. Meanwhile, security forces, including the Police, Special Task Force (STF), and Army, have also been deployed to the area.
The unrest began on Thursday night and resumed on Friday morning after an initial disturbance had been brought under control, according to prison authorities. During the incident, a group of inmates reportedly damaged the prison hospital.
The latest violence comes a day after unrest was also reported at Magazine Prison in Borella, where authorities said a tense situation involving around 40 inmates was brought under control. (Newswire)