Pakistan, Aug. 2 -- Sri Lanka has strengthened security at prisons across the country after a riot at Mahara Prison left one person dead and six others injured. The violence erupted on Saturday as authorities continued grappling with severe overcrowding in the country's prison system. Officials said the unrest caused significant damage to prison buildings before security forces restored order.

The riot reportedly began during family visiting hours when inmates climbed onto rooftops, set fire to a building and damaged several facilities, including the prison hospital, training centre and kitchen. Protesters also burned documents kept inside administrative offices, prompting police and emergency personnel to launch a large-scale security o...