A riot occurred inside Negombo Prison in Sri Lanka after inmates from two rival drug trafficking gangs clashed violently, resulting in at least 23 deaths, including four prison officers, and over 100 injuries. This is the deadliest prison riot in the country in more than five years, while authorities rush to investigate the cause and tighten security measures.
A violent riot broke out at a prison in Negombo, north of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The conflict began escalating on the evening of Sunday, 5 July local time, and developed into a bloody two-day battle.
Reports indicate the clash was triggered by violent confrontations between two inmate groups linked to drug trafficking gangs. One group supported illicit drug activities within the prison, while the other opposed them. The situation intensified rapidly Monday morning when rioting inmates seized firearms from the prison armory and began shooting.
Police officials told AFP news agency, "Four prison guards were killed while trying to separate the rioting inmates. The situation spiraled out of control early this morning."
Dr. Pushpa Kamalath, director of the Negombo State Hospital, revealed that 23 bodies have been sent to the hospital, though some foreign news outlets reported the death toll as 19 due to the unstable situation. Additionally, more than 100 inmates and guards injured have received treatment, with critically wounded patients transferred to the National Hospital in Colombo. He added, "Some victims suffered gunshot wounds, others had stab injuries, and many had severe bruising."
On Sunday night, amid the fierce clashes, news spread to the adjacent women's prison, prompting a group of female inmates to climb onto the roof in protest demanding release. Part of the roof structure collapsed, injuring several female inmates.
Tensions ran high outside the prison, with many inmates' relatives gathering anxiously for news. The Sri Lankan Air Force deployed drones and helicopters to monitor the prison. Nearby residents reported hearing gunshots at intervals.
Currently, Sri Lankan authorities have escalated security to the highest level by deploying special task police units, or commandos, and riot control forces to secure the perimeter, though no forces have yet entered the prison. They have transferred three leading inmates to Pallansena detention camp to quell the unrest at its source.
AC Gajanayake, spokesperson for Sri Lanka's Department of Prisons, disclosed that a special investigation committee has been established by order of the department director to determine the true cause and perpetrators behind the violence. Similarly, the National Police have launched a separate inquiry. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has ordered an urgent detailed report on the incident.
This bloody incident marks the deadliest prison riot in Sri Lanka in over five years, since a December 2020 riot at another facility during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in 11 deaths and 117 injuries, prompting the release of several hundred inmates to reduce overcrowding.
Official data states that as of last Sunday, prisons across Sri Lanka held a total of 41,250 inmates—approximately four times their intended capacity. This overcrowding is seen as a key factor worsening living conditions and facilitating recurring violence.
/source AFP