Speaking to 'Aruna' newspaper, Mr. Upuldeniya said that steps would be taken to investigate the matter and to strengthen security under a new security plan.

The newspaper reports that one Indika, who is at the Welikada Chapel ward, has masterminded this plan which is backed by several other inmates named Asanka, Roshan, Gallage and Sagara.

It is said that out of the 4,049 inmates currently in Welikada prison, 2,400 of them are held at  the chapel ward.

The newspaper further notes that it has been planned to unleash the riot after giving inmates the drug that was recently mentioned by Minister of Industry Wimal Weerawansa.

It is said that the reason to initiate this riot is revealed to be the difficulty of running their criminal networks, as visitors are not permitted in the wake of the prevailing Covid-19 outbreak.