Sri Lanka Prison Clash: Death toll rises to 19 after violent unrest at Negombo Jail
The death toll from the violent clashes inside Sri Lanka's Negombo Prison has risen to 19, while 72 others have been injured, authorities said on Monday, as security forces continued efforts to restore order at the overcrowded correctional facility.
The violence first erupted on Sunday when rival groups of inmates clashed inside the prison. The unrest flared up again on Monday after some prisoners reportedly seized firearms from the prison armoury, escalating tensions and prompting a major security response.
According to Negombo Hospital Director Pushpa Gamlath, the casualties include inmates injured during the clashes and the subsequent disturbances. Several of the injured are undergoing treatment, while authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage.
Preliminary investigations suggest the violence was triggered by a confrontation between a group of prisoners allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities inside the prison and another faction opposed to such operations. Officials are probing whether organised criminal networks operating within the prison contributed to the unrest.
In response, the Sri Lankan authorities deployed the Police Special Task Force (STF) and riot control units to secure the prison and bring the situation under control. Three inmates were also transferred to the Pallansena Prison Camp as part of measures to prevent further violence and restore stability.
Prisons Department Media Spokesman A.C. Gajanayake said a special investigation team has been appointed on the instructions of the Commissioner General of Prisons to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. A parallel police investigation is also underway to determine responsibility and identify those involved.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara has sought a detailed report on the incident. A magisterial inquiry into the prison violence has already been initiated as authorities examine the circumstances that led to one of the deadliest prison clashes in the country's recent history.
