Sri Lanka, Sept. 1 -- The case against 56 prisoners who attempted to escape during the tsunami disaster that caused much havoc in the country on December 26, 2004 was taken up before Galle High Court Judge Purnima Paranagama.

They stand indicted with unlawful assembly, causing damage to Prison Department property valued Rs. 153, 961, 325, assault on prison officials, and attempting to escape custody

Police informed court that nine suspects involved in the incident had died, six others had disappeared. Only 41 suspects, 25 of them on bail, appeared in court.

The High Court Judge instructed the State Counsel to look into the possibility of revising the charges under the Public Property Act in consultation with the Attorney General.

Serg...