At least 26 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in two days of rioting at Negombo Prison in western Sri Lanka, officials confirmed. The violence, which began on Sunday, marks the deadliest prison unrest in the country in years.
Clashes Erupt Between Inmate Groups
The riots started with clashes between two groups of inmates at the prison, located in a coastal town north of Colombo. Prisoners allegedly grabbed guards' firearms on Sunday, leading to two deaths and dozens of injuries that day. The situation escalated when groups of male prisoners and women from an adjoining unit climbed onto prison rooftops, demanding release.
Fresh Violence on Monday
On Monday, fresh violence erupted as inmates attempted to rush the prison gates. Security forces were deployed, and multiple gunshots were heard from inside. The unrest was reportedly triggered by a clash over an inmate informing on a drug trafficking operation within the prison. A total of 23 prison officers and 54 inmates remain hospitalized, according to officials.
Wounded Transported to Hospitals
Some of the wounded were taken to Negombo Hospital. The hospital director told AFP that patients had bullet wounds, cuts, and severe bruises. Others were transferred to Colombo National Hospital. Police reported that part of the prison's roof collapsed during the incident, injuring some of the women involved.
Relatives Gather Outside Prison
Crowds of inmates' relatives gathered outside the prison on Monday, demanding information. Some told BBC Sinhala they had not been told where their relatives were or who had died. Areas within the prison are still being cleared, and the military has been placed on standby after police requested support, Reuters reported. Prisons commissioner media spokesman AC Gajanayake said steps had been taken to transfer inmates to other facilities.
Investigation Ordered
Minister of Justice and Prisons Harshana Nanayakkara has instructed authorities to investigate and submit a report. While riots occasionally occur in Sri Lanka's overcrowded prisons, these were the worst in years. In December 2020, 11 inmates were killed and 117 injured at another facility. As of Sunday, Sri Lankan prisons held 41,250 inmates—four times their capacity, according to AFP.
