COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — The number of people killed in a violent clash at a Sri Lankan prison has climbed to 26, with seven prison officials and 19 inmates among the dead. The government confirmed Tuesday that three separate investigations into the incident are now underway.
The trouble began Sunday at the prison in Negombo, located roughly 35 kilometers — about 22 miles — north of the capital city of Colombo. What started as a dispute between inmates escalated dramatically on Monday when prisoners turned on the guards who stepped in to restore order. Officials say the inmates even attempted to force their way through the main gate before being stopped.
Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara addressed the situation Tuesday, describing it as a “tragic incident.” He confirmed that 77 additional people — 23 prison officials and 54 inmates — are still receiving medical care in hospitals. The minister did not provide details on the specific causes of the deaths or the nature of the injuries sustained.
Speaking before parliament, Nanayakkara outlined the three ongoing probes into the clash. In addition to a police investigation and an internal review by the prison department, a committee headed by a retired judge is being formed. He said the inquiries will examine what triggered the violence, “whether there were any security lapses or the congestion in the prisons caused this,” and stressed that “our responsibility is to prevent such incidents happening again.”
The initial confrontation broke out between two rival gangs with ties to the illegal drug trade, according to Nanayakkara. By Monday evening, order had been restored, and the inmates identified as ringleaders of the violence were moved to other prison facilities.
On Tuesday, local television footage showed hundreds of family members gathered outside the prison and nearby hospitals, desperately seeking word on their loved ones. Many were seen crying and begging for information.
Security at the prison has been significantly reinforced, with additional army troops and armed tanks now deployed to the area.
Sri Lanka’s prison system is severely overcrowded. More than 39,000 inmates are currently held in facilities designed to hold only 10,000 people.
