Negombo Prison unrest has left people dead and dozens hospitalized as authorities investigate clashes, overcrowding and renewed violence.
Chart obtained by BBC Research
The Negombo Prison unrest has intensified again, with reports of renewed disturbances, gunfire and security forces entering the prison as families desperately seek information about inmates.
A BBC Sinhala reporter at the scene said fresh unrest had broken out inside the prison. The situation followed the clashes reported on Sunday, July 5.
According to the reporter, the Police Riot Control Unit and the Police Special Task Force had deployed near the prison entrance. Meanwhile, continuous gunshots could be heard from inside the prison.
The reporter also observed Special Task Force personnel and police officers entering the prison compound as the security operation intensified.
Several injured inmates and prison officers were also seen being taken out of the facility.
Authorities Initially Said Negombo Prison Unrest Was Controlled
However, Acting Prisons Commissioner General Prasad Hemanta gave a different assessment earlier on July 6.
During an inquiry by BBC Sinhala that morning, he said authorities had brought the clash at Negombo Prison under control.
At that stage, he said two people had died, while 39 others had been hospitalized following the violence.
Prasad Hemanta said prison authorities suspected that a dispute between inmates may have triggered the confrontation.
“There is no involvement of officers in the clash. When inmates are together for a long time, disputes arise between them. This clash has occurred due to such disputes.”
The Prisons Commissioner General also said officials had launched an investigation into damage caused to prison property during the violence.
Justice and National Integration Minister Attorney Harshana Nanayakkara separately confirmed that an investigation was underway. During an inquiry, he said he expected to receive the investigation report during the day.
Meanwhile, Attorney Senaka Perera, Chairman of the Prisoners’ Rights Protection Committee, raised concerns about severe overcrowding inside the facility.
He suggested that extreme congestion within the prison may have contributed to the unrest.
“The Negombo Prison, which can accommodate about 600 to 650 inmates, currently has about 2,600 inmates. A large number of inmates share just one toilet,” he said.
Perera also said his organization had received information suggesting that the number of deaths may have increased.
“There is information that the death toll has risen, and we are trying to verify that.”
Families Struggle to Get Information About Inmates
The Negombo Prison unrest has also left families searching for answers about relatives held inside the facility.
A large number of relatives gathered outside the prison seeking information. Police later dispersed the crowd and advised those present to visit the hospital for further details.
One woman at the scene pleaded with officers for information about her family member.
“Please don’t send us away, sir… we came and went… we need to know which wards, we need to know what happened to our children. At least give us some information, even a notification, so we can have some peace of mind,” she told police officers.
However, Senaka Perera said relatives had still been unable to obtain clear information about the inmates.
“Last night as well, a large number of relatives had gathered in front of the Negombo Prison to get information. But they were chased away by police last night.”
The conflicting accounts, renewed reports of gunfire and the uncertainty facing families have intensified concerns surrounding the prison. Investigations are now expected to examine the cause of the clashes, the damage to prison property and the circumstances surrounding the violence.
At the same time, questions raised about severe overcrowding have added another dimension to the crisis. As authorities work to establish what happened, families continue to seek verified information about the condition and whereabouts of their relatives.
SOURCE:- BBC SINHALA
