Sri Lanka, July 8 -- Prison officials have urged Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara to protect the prison officer who opened fire during the recent unrest at Negombo Prison, claiming that misleading information is being circulated about his actions.

During a meeting with the Minister, the officials said the officer's intervention had been instrumental in bringing the violent situation under control and preventing a far more serious crisis.

"We were rescued from a grave crisis because of that officer. We wear this uniform as one unit. Why are such stories being spread outside?" the officials were quoted as telling the Minister.

They further warned that had inmates succeeded in escaping during the unrest, it could have resulted in a ...