Deadly Riots at Negombo Prison
Riots at a prison in western Sri Lanka have resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including seven prison guards, and left more than 100 injured.
The unrest spanned two days at Negombo Prison, located in a coastal town north of Colombo, and began with confrontations between two groups of inmates.
On Sunday, prisoners reportedly seized firearms from guards. That day, two people were killed and dozens were injured. Subsequently, groups of male inmates, along with women from an adjacent unit, climbed onto prison rooftops demanding their release.
Escalation and Security Response
Violence intensified on Monday when inmates attempted to storm the prison gates. Security forces were deployed, and multiple gunshots were heard from within the facility.
The disturbances are believed to have been triggered by a dispute involving an inmate who informed authorities about a drug trafficking operation inside the prison.
Casualties and Medical Treatment
Officials reported that 23 prison officers and 54 inmates remain hospitalized for treatment.
Some of the wounded were admitted to Negombo Hospital. The hospital director informed the AFP news agency that some patients had bullet wounds, while others suffered cuts and severe bruises. Additional injured individuals were transferred to Colombo National Hospital.
During the incident, part of the prison's roof collapsed, injuring some of the women involved, according to AFP.
Family Concerns and Ongoing Operations
On Monday, crowds of inmates' relatives gathered outside the prison as the situation developed. Some relatives told BBC Sinhala that they had not received information regarding the whereabouts or condition of their family members.
Authorities are continuing to clear areas within the prison. The military has been placed on standby following a police request for support, reported.
Official Statements and Investigations
Prisons commissioner media spokesman AC Gajanayake stated that measures have been taken to transfer inmates to other facilities.
Minister of Justice and Prisons Harshana Nanayakkara has ordered an investigation and requested a report on the incident.
Context and Overcrowding Issues
While riots occasionally occur in Sri Lanka's overcrowded prisons, this incident represents the deadliest in recent years. In December 2020, 11 people were killed and 117 injured in a similar event at another prison.
As of Sunday, Sri Lankan prisons held 41,250 inmates, which is four times their intended capacity, according to AFP.
