Post by : Badri Ariffin

At least 26 people, including seven prison guards, were killed and more than 100 others were injured after two days of violent unrest at Negombo Prison in western Sri Lanka.

The prison, located in the coastal town of Negombo north of Colombo, witnessed intense clashes that began between two groups of inmates before escalating into a deadly confrontation.

Riots Began After Clashes Between Inmates

The violence started on Sunday when two groups of prisoners fought inside the prison. During the unrest, inmates allegedly seized firearms from prison guards.

Two people were killed on the first day of the violence, while dozens of others suffered injuries. As tensions continued, groups of male prisoners and women from a nearby prison unit climbed onto prison rooftops, demanding to be released.

Fresh Violence Broke Out on Monday

The situation worsened on Monday when inmates attempted to force their way through the prison gates. Security forces were deployed to control the unrest, and multiple gunshots were heard from inside the prison.

Officials said the violence was reportedly triggered by a dispute linked to an inmate who had informed authorities about a drug trafficking operation inside the prison.

Many Victims Continue Receiving Medical Treatment

Authorities said 23 prison officers and 54 inmates remain under medical treatment following the riots.

Several injured people were taken to Negombo Hospital, where hospital officials said some patients had bullet wounds, while others suffered cuts and severe bruises. Additional injured victims were transferred to Colombo National Hospital for treatment.

Roof Collapse and Family Concerns

Police said part of the prison roof collapsed during the violence, causing injuries to some of the women involved in the unrest.

As the situation unfolded, large crowds of prisoners' relatives gathered outside the prison. Some family members told BBC Sinhala that they had not received information about the condition or whereabouts of their relatives, and did not know who had survived or died.

Authorities Strengthen Security and Order Investigation

Officials said security teams continue clearing affected areas inside the prison, while the military remains on standby after police requested additional support.

Prisons Commissioner media spokesman AC Gajanayake said arrangements have been made to transfer inmates to other prisons.

Minister of Justice and Prisons Harshana Nanayakkara has directed authorities to carry out an investigation into the incident and submit a report.

One of the Deadliest Prison Riots in Recent Years

Although riots occasionally occur in Sri Lanka's overcrowded prison system, officials said this was one of the country's deadliest prison incidents in recent years.

In December 2020, another prison riot left 11 people dead and 117 injured.

According to officials, Sri Lanka's prisons were housing 41,250 inmates as of Sunday, nearly four times their intended capacity.