By Dwayne Ferreira.
The Harshana Nanayakkara no-confidence motion has gained Opposition backing after deadly unrest at Negombo Prison left 28 inmates and prison officers dead.
Why Opposition MPs launched the motion
Opposition lawmakers accuse Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara of failing to protect prisoners and prison officers. They also allege that he failed to show adequate responsibility and accountability.
Photo: Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva
The violence killed dozens and injured many others. The toll later rose to 28 as hospitalised victims died. Those killed included inmates and prison officers.
Negombo Prison reportedly housed about 2,400 prisoners, although authorities designed it for roughly 650. Officials linked the unrest to rival prisoner groups, drug trafficking and retaliation against inmates who allegedly gave information to prison authorities.
Nanayakkara has said he must accept responsibility as the relevant minister. Meanwhile, investigations are examining the institutional and individual failures behind the deadly violence.
