Negombo Prison deaths face scrutiny after autopsies found 14 inmates died from gunshots, while Amnesty International demands an independent probe.
The Negombo Prison deaths have come under intense scrutiny after post-mortem reports revealed that 14 inmates died from gunshot wounds during the recent violent clash.
The unrest, which erupted between two groups of inmates, left 29 people dead. The fatalities included eight prison officers and 21 inmates.
According to medical reports submitted to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court, 14 inmates died from gunshot wounds. Another nine died due to beatings, while authorities recorded an open verdict regarding one death.
More than 100 people, including prison officers, suffered injuries and required hospital treatment following the deadly clash.
Hospital sources indicate that the prison officers who died during the violence were killed in an extremely inhumane manner.
Negombo Prison Deaths Expose Scale of Violence
Post-mortem reports revealed that the eight prison officers killed during the clash suffered severe violence.
According to the reports, nearly all the officers suffered serious blows to their heads with blunt weapons.
Medical reports further indicate that attackers brutally beat some officers with sticks and clubs while they lay face down on the ground.
The attacks targeted their heads and bodies. Skull fractures and internal brain hemorrhages resulting from the assaults directly caused the officers’ deaths.
The reports also revealed that one of the deceased officers had been receiving treatment for dengue. Despite his condition, he had reported for duty that day.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department has taken custody of 22 repeater-type firearms and 10 T-58 type firearms that had been held inside the prison.
Investigators have also recovered a repeater firearm that authorities had reported missing. They found the weapon within the prison premises.
Further investigations into the incident remain underway.
The Criminal Investigation Department launched a comprehensive investigation following orders from the Negombo Chief Magistrate.
Accordingly, investigators are recording statements from inmates currently held inside the prison. Police said authorities would initiate future legal proceedings based on the evidence gathered through these statements.
Amnesty International Demands Independent Investigation
Amnesty International has called on the Sri Lankan government to conduct an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into inmate deaths following the Negombo Prison unrest.
The organisation specifically raised concerns about inmates who died after authorities transferred them to other prisons.
Following the recent unrest at Negombo Prison, authorities moved a group of inmates to other locations for security reasons.
However, several inmates reportedly died following those transfers. Amnesty International said serious suspicions surround the circumstances of those deaths.
The organisation stressed that authorities have direct responsibility for protecting the safety of every individual held in state custody.
Amnesty International further said investigations into the deaths must meet international standards. If investigators uncover torture or neglect, authorities must take legal action without delay against those responsible.
The call comes amid continuing international criticism over overcrowding in Sri Lanka’s prisons and concerns about protecting inmates’ human rights.
Against this backdrop, Amnesty International said an impartial investigation into the incident remains essential to ensure government accountability.
The post-mortem findings, firearm investigation and questions surrounding deaths after prison transfers have now placed the Negombo Prison deaths under greater scrutiny. The investigation must determine what happened during and after the violence, while ensuring accountability for any unlawful acts established through evidence.
