The death toll from two days of violent clashes between inmates and prison officers at Sri Lanka’s Negombo Prison has risen to at least 25, prompting the government to deploy troops to restore order. Among the dead are 20 inmates and five prison officers, while nearly 100 others have been injured.
According to Anadolu Agency, citing local media outlets Ada Derana and NewsWire, the violence first erupted on Sunday (July 5) between remand and convicted prisoners at the prison on Sri Lanka’s western coast. Two inmates were killed and at least 38 others injured in the initial confrontation.
The situation escalated further on Monday (July 6) when fresh clashes broke out between inmates and prison guards. As the unrest spiralled out of control, police and prison officers opened fire in an effort to restore order.
The Sri Lankan government subsequently deployed military personnel to the prison, where security forces are continuing operations to stabilize the situation.
Those injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Prison authorities have also established a high-level inquiry committee to determine the cause of the violence at the facility, which has a capacity of 2,417 inmates.
Security has been significantly tightened in and around the prison to prevent further unrest while the investigation remains ongoing.
Source: Anadolu Agency