Authorities secure Negombo prison as police investigate cause of violence
COLOMBO: At least 25 prisoners were killed and around 100 others injured after violent clashes erupted between two groups of inmates at a prison in Sri Lanka’s coastal town of Negombo, according to police and hospital sources.
The violence began on Sunday between convicted prisoners and detainees being held on remand at the correctional facility, located about 35 kilometres north of the commercial capital, Colombo. Authorities have not yet determined what triggered the deadly confrontation.
Police officials said security personnel continued clearing different sections of the prison on Monday while working to account for all casualties and restore order. Emergency responders transferred dozens of injured inmates to nearby hospitals for treatment, while investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the unrest.
Security forces remain on alert
Sri Lankan authorities deployed a heavy police presence outside the prison to prevent further disturbances. Army spokesman Brigadier Waruna Gamage confirmed that the military had been requested to assist police if necessary, although soldiers remained on standby as law enforcement officers handled the situation.
Television footage broadcast by local media showed police vehicles surrounding the prison complex while buses transported injured prisoners to medical facilities. Several inmates received treatment after sustaining injuries during the clashes.
Officials said restoring security inside the prison remained their immediate priority before conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Investigation underway
Authorities have yet to identify the cause of the violence, and no official explanation has been released regarding how the confrontation escalated into one of the country’s deadliest prison incidents in recent years.
Police and prison officials are expected to interview inmates and staff while reviewing security procedures and surveillance footage as part of the investigation.
Meanwhile, hospital authorities continue treating those injured, with some reported to be in critical condition.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over prison security and inmate management in Sri Lanka, prompting calls for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances that led to the deadly unrest and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
