The death toll from a violent unrest at a prison in Sri Lanka's western coastal town of Negombo has risen to 19, authorities confirmed on Monday.
Clash Erupts Between Rival Inmate Groups
A clash erupted on Sunday between two rival groups of inmates in the over-capacity prison. The violence reignited on Monday as rioting inmates managed to seize prison firearms, escalating the situation further.
Director of the Negombo Hospital, Pushpa Gamlath, reported that 19 people have been killed and 72 others injured as a result of the clashes and subsequent disturbances within the prison premises.
Preliminary Findings on Motive
Preliminary investigations indicate that the violence likely erupted between a group allegedly supporting drug trafficking activities inside the prison and another group opposed to such activities, according to authorities.
Security has been significantly strengthened, with the Police Special Task Force (STF) and riot control units deployed to contain the situation, police said. Following the clashes, three inmates were transferred to the Pallansena Prison Camp on Monday as part of efforts to restore order and prevent further violence.
Investigations Launched
Prisons Department Media Spokesman AC Gajanayake stated that a special investigation has been launched into the incident. He said a dedicated investigation team has been appointed on the instructions of the Commissioner General of Prisons to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the causes and circumstances surrounding the unrest. A separate police investigation is also underway.
Meanwhile, Minister of Justice, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, has called for a detailed report on the clashes involving inmates at the Negombo Prison. A magisterial inquiry into the incident was conducted on Sunday.
