Ajith P. Perera says the Negombo Prison clash exposed failures in prison oversight, ministerial response and riot control.
The Negombo Prison clash drew a sharp attack in Parliament, where Parliamentarian Ajith P. Perera accused the government and line minister of failing to respond properly to the unrest and deaths.
He said a serious crisis erupted at Negombo Prison around 1:00 PM on Sunday, July 5, 2026. According to him, two groups clashed inside the facility, which houses more than 2,400 inmates. Meanwhile, a group of women climbed onto the roof in protest, claiming they had not received proper treatment. By 4:00 PM, 24 people had entered hospital, while two had reportedly died, he told Parliament.
Negombo Prison Clash Raises Questions
Perera criticized the minister for not knowing enough about the incident. He said the minister’s answer to media questions about deaths and injuries was ridiculous and irresponsible.
The MP said the minister had claimed he did not know the latest figures because he had not checked social media during the previous two hours. Perera argued that a minister in charge must receive real-time information about what happens inside a prison during a crisis.
He also highlighted the administrative crisis inside the Prisons Department. Perera said the Commissioner General of Prisons had remained in an acting role for about a year. He argued that the lack of permanent leadership had weakened the department.
He also recalled the earlier irregularities at Anuradhapura Prison. According to him, authorities had still not taken formal disciplinary action.
Riot Control Response Under Fire
Perera questioned why authorities did not immediately summon the Special Task Force or the military to control the clash. He also alleged that although a Magistrate holds special powers when a death occurs inside a prison, officials did not bring the Magistrate to the scene.
The MP also criticized the decision to send intelligence officers into the prison on Monday morning without proper riot control training. He warned that deploying untrained personnel into a prison holding people charged with murder and inmates with violent histories created danger.
Perera added that dengue had spread among prison officers, reducing available numbers and making control efforts harder.
Finally, Ajith P. Perera said the line minister, Minister of State Security, and Minister of Police had all failed over the incident.
