Twenty-five people were killed and approximately 100 injured in violent clashes between rival inmate groups at a prison in Sri Lanka, authorities reported on Monday. The incidents at the Negombo Prison, located about 35 kilometers north of Colombo, represent the deadliest prison violence in the country in several years.
The clashes initially began on Sunday between convicted prisoners and those held in temporary detention. An initial round of violence on Sunday resulted in two deaths and 38 injuries among inmates. A second, more severe outbreak occurred Monday morning, leading to 23 additional fatalities, including six prison officials.
Security officials deployed police riot control squads and special forces to regain control of the facility, which houses about 2,400 inmates. Injured inmates were transported to local hospitals, with some requiring immediate medical attention for gunshot wounds, cuts, and bruises. Military personnel were requested to support police efforts, and the Sri Lanka Air Force provided aerial surveillance using a helicopter and drones.
According to Chamika Gajanayake, media spokesman for the Department of Prisons, the violence started when prisoners were being served breakfast. Prison officials intervened, but the inmates then attempted to breach the prison gates. Gajanayake indicated that the violence was linked to drug trafficking, though details were not provided pending an investigation.
Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara visited the prison and expressed condolences to the victims' families. He acknowledged that some weapons had fallen into the hands of prisoners, but the exact number was unclear. The prison is now under the control of authorities, and investigations are underway.
Previous significant incidents of prison violence in Sri Lanka include a riot in November 2020 that resulted in 11 inmate deaths and a 2012 riot in Colombo that claimed 27 lives.