Negombo Prison officers are among 27 people killed after the inmate clash, with 17 officers, 6 STF and 3 police officers injured.
The Negombo Prison officers who lost their lives in the deadly prison clash have now been identified, as the death toll rose to 27.
According to the latest details, 20 of the deceased are inmates. The remaining seven are prison officers.
The Prisons Department said the dead officers include one Jailer and six Prison Guards.
Negombo Prison Officers Who Died
| Rank | Name | Home Town |
|---|---|---|
| Jailer | S.H.G. Chandrawansa | Malabe |
| Prison Guard | D.W. Pushpakumara | Rambukkana |
| Prison Guard | A.D. Tharanga | Bulathsinhala |
| Prison Guard | T.N.R. Thilakasiri | Madawachchiya |
| Prison Guard | S.D.S. Abeywardhana | Mathawa |
| Prison Guard | B.N.N. Tharanga | Balangoda |
| Prison Guard | R.P.R. Sanjeewa | Meerigama |
Negombo Prison Unrest: What Happened and When?
Source: BBC Research
Injured Officers Still Under Treatment
Meanwhile, 17 Negombo Prison officers suffered injuries during the clash.
In addition, six Special Task Force officers and three police officers also sustained injuries. Authorities said they are receiving treatment.
What Happened Inside Negombo Prison?
Prison Commissioner and Media Spokesman A.C. Gajanayake said the unrest began after a clash between two groups of inmates.
The clash broke out at Negombo Prison on Sunday, July 5. Authorities later said they brought the situation under control.
However, the spokesman said unrest broke out again on Monday morning, July 6. He said inmates attacked prison officers who entered the area to control the situation.
At that point, the officers ran toward the main gate. The inmates chased them and attacked them, Gajanayake said.
He further stated that inmates later attempted to break down the main gate of the prison. Prison officers then used minimal force to bring the inmates under control.
Deaths and Injuries
| Category | Deceased | Injured |
|---|---|---|
| Prison Officers | 7 | 17 |
| Inmates | 20 | Information not specified |
| STF Officers | 0 | 6 |
| Police Officers | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 27 | 26+ |
The deaths of the seven Negombo Prison officers have deepened concern over the scale of the violence and the risks faced by security personnel during the unrest.
