Negombo prison riot in Sri Lanka leaves 26 dead as Justice Minister takes responsibility

Sri Lanka’s Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara accepted responsibility for deadly unrest at Negombo prison. Authorities said the death toll rose to 26 after violence spread inside the jail. The clashes involved inmates and prison staff, and left more than 100 people injured. Officials said the prison was overcrowded when the fighting broke out.

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Nanayakkara told reporters, "This is an institution under my purview; hence, I take responsibility. Seven prison officials and nineteen inmates have died.\" Nanayakkara said the situation was brought under control. Nanayakkara added that steps must be taken to stop similar incidents happening again.

Negombo prison unrest investigation and official inquiries

Prisons Department Media Spokesman AC Gajanayake said a special investigation was launched into the incident. AC Gajanayake said an investigation team was appointed by the Commissioner General of Prisons. The team was tasked to examine the causes and events linked to the unrest. Authorities said a separate police investigation was also under way.

Authorities said a magisterial inquiry into the incident was carried out on Sunday. Officials also outlined the toll from the violence and later disorder. Twenty-six people died, including seven prison officials, authorities said. Nineteen inmates were among those killed. Officials said more than 100 people were hurt during the clashes.

Negombo prison unrest timeline and security response

Officials said the first clash erupted on Sunday between two rival inmate groups. Violence flared again on Monday, authorities said. Rioting inmates got hold of prison guns during the renewed clashes. Security was tightened after the disturbances. Police Special Task Force STF and riot control units were deployed to contain the situation.

Officials said about 1,800 inmates were inside the jail when the fighting began. Preliminary findings suggested the violence was linked to prison drug activity. Authorities said one group allegedly supported drug trafficking inside the prison. Another group was believed to have opposed those activities. Officials said this division may have triggered the clashes.

Authorities said steps were taken to restore order after the violence. Three inmates were transferred to the Pallansena Prison Camp on Monday. Officials said the transfer was meant to reduce tension and prevent more attacks. With investigations continuing, authorities said security remained strengthened to avoid further unrest at Negombo prison.

With inputs from PTI