A violent clash between two groups of inmates at Galle Prison yesterday (26) afternoon has been linked to rival underworld gangs, according to prison authorities. The incident left four inmates injured, two of whom have been admitted to Karapitiya National Hospital in Galle for treatment, while the other two are receiving care at the prison hospital.
Prison Media Spokesperson and Commissioner Gamini B. Dissanayake confirmed that a team led by an Assistant Prison Superintendent has been dispatched to investigate the altercation. The findings from the investigation will be presented to the court today (27).
Preliminary reports suggest that the clash involved members of two notorious criminal gangs, Ahungalla’s ‘Loku Patty’ and ‘Karandeniya Sudda.’ Both groups, known for their influence in organized crime, are currently detained at the facility. Prison sources indicate that tensions between the two groups had been escalating, culminating in the violent confrontation.
Authorities are now focusing on uncovering the cause of the clash, as well as identifying any lapses in prison security that may have allowed the altercation to occur. Measures to prevent further conflicts between rival gang members within the prison are expected to be implemented.
The Galle Prison clash highlights ongoing concerns about the influence of organized crime within the Sri Lankan prison system. Despite efforts to separate known gang members, such incidents underline the challenges faced by prison officials in managing inmates with a history of violent criminal activity.
This incident comes amid growing scrutiny of prison operations across the country, with calls for stricter enforcement of security protocols and better intelligence to monitor gang activities within detention facilities. Further updates on the investigation and measures to address the issue are expected in the coming days.
