Srilanka, Aug. 1 -- Fresh unrest has been reported in the vicinity of Mahara Prison.

Tensions escalated after several sounds resembling gunfire were heard from inside the prison, prompting relatives who had arrived to visit inmates and nearby residents to attempt to break through police barricades.

Security personnel moved forward in an effort to control the crowd, leading to a tense situation outside the prison premises.

It was reported that that some individuals among the crowd threw stones at security officers during the incident.

Water cannon vehicles were also deployed to the area in front of the prison as authorities took steps to bring the situation under control.

One inmate has died following a violent clash that broke out i...