Negombo Prison Death Toll Rises to Seven

COLOMBO (News 1st); The death toll from the violent unrest at the Negombo Prison has risen to seven, with authorities confirming that three prison officers and four inmates are among those killed.

Director of the Negombo Hospital, Dr. Pushpa Gamlath, said approximately 73 people have been injured as a result of the clashes and subsequent disturbances within the prison.

The latest fatalities come after two inmates were killed and 38 others injured during violent clashes that erupted inside the prison yesterday.

Although authorities had managed to bring the situation under control by last night, fresh unrest broke out again this morning, leading to a further escalation of violence.

During the renewed disturbance, three prison officers and two inmates lost their lives.

Dr. Gamlath stated that around 35 additional injured persons were admitted to hospital today alone. She added that the condition of several of the injured remains serious.

The Hospital Director further noted that injured individuals continue to be brought to the Negombo Hospital as authorities work to manage the aftermath of the violence.

Security has been significantly strengthened, with the Police Special Task Force (STF) and riot control units deployed to contain the situation. Police also confirmed that additional police teams have been assigned to the area.

Following yesterday’s clashes, three inmates were transferred to the Pallansena Prison Camp this morning as part of efforts to restore order and prevent further violence.

Prisons Department Media Spokesman A.C. Gajanayake stated that a special investigation has been launched into the incident.

He said a dedicated investigation team had been appointed on the instructions of the Commissioner General of Prisons to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the causes and circumstances surrounding the unrest.

A separate police investigation is also underway.

Meanwhile, Minister of Justice, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, has called for a detailed report on the clashes involving inmates at the Negombo Prison.

A magisterial inquiry into the incident was conducted last night as investigators continued gathering evidence.

Preliminary findings have revealed that the violence is believed to have erupted between a group allegedly supporting drug trafficking activities within the prison and another group opposed to such activities.