Over 500 inmates escape from Sri Lanka drug treatment center

By BHARATHA MALLAWARACHI
Associated Press

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — More than 500 inmates have escaped from a heavily guarded drug rehabilitation center in northern Sri Lanka. Police say the mass escape occurred after a suspicious death led to an outbreak of violence among inmates, who broke the security fence. The center mainly treats prisoners convicted of drug-related crimes. Nearly 1,000 people were undergoing treatment at the center, which is guarded by military troops. Police say they are searching for the escapees. Officials say about 1.5% of Sri Lankans are addicted to drugs.