Galle Prison authorities shot dead three prison escapees at different places in Galle yesterday. They had scaled the prison’s wall and run in different directions. Two bodies were found along the rail track at two different places and one inside the home of a notorious criminal.

One of the prisoners killed was identified as a brother of ‘Cut Chooti’ of Ambalangoda and according to authorities he had earlier tried to escape on six occasions. Prison authorities said on an earlier occasion he tried to set the Galle prison on fire and attempted to escape. On that occasion he was shot in the leg.

The dead prisoners were convicted of various crimes and all in possession of bombs.

Large crowds thronged to witness the bodies of the dead prisoners while some sort of unrest was reported within the prison premises.

Meanwhile yesterday (12) was declared as Prisoners’ Welfare day.