Negombo Prison unrest has left 27 dead and more than 100 injured, prompting authorities to transfer inmates to prisons across Sri Lanka.
The Negombo Prison unrest has claimed 27 lives over two days, while more than 100 others have suffered injuries and required hospital treatment following a sharp escalation in violence.
According to police, the initial clash erupted on the afternoon of Sunday (05), leaving two people dead and 33 others injured. However, the situation deteriorated further on Monday (06), when another 25 people lost their lives.
The Police Media Spokesperson’s Office confirmed that five prison officers were among those killed in the violence.
Authorities have now begun transferring inmates from Negombo Prison to other facilities across the island. The decision aims to control the volatile situation while protecting prisoners still held inside the facility.
A senior prison official said the transfers would take place with immediate effect. Authorities are moving inmates to several prisons, including Dumbara, and the operation has already begun.
Meanwhile, officials have heavily reinforced security around Negombo Prison and the surrounding area. Police officers, the Police Special Task Force (STF), and prison officials are conducting joint operations to bring the Negombo Prison unrest under control.
Authorities have also launched a wide-ranging investigation into the deadly violence. Investigators will seek to establish what triggered the clashes and identify those responsible for the unrest that has left 27 people dead and more than 100 injured.
