The death toll from a violent clash at a Sri Lankan prison has climbed to 26, including seven prison officials and 19 inmates, officials announced Tuesday. Another 77 individuals, comprising 23 prison staff and 54 inmates, remain hospitalized with injuries.
The unrest began Sunday between inmates at the prison in Negombo, located approximately 35 kilometers north of the capital, Colombo. The situation escalated into violence on Monday when inmates attacked guards who intervened, and attempted to breach the main gate.
Sri Lankan Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara described the event as "tragic" and stated that three separate investigations are now underway. These include a police probe, an internal inquiry by the prison department, and a new committee led by a retired judge. The investigations aim to determine the root causes of the clashes, examine potential security lapses, and assess if prison congestion contributed to the violence, with a focus on preventing future incidents.
Nanayakkara indicated that the initial clash erupted between rival gangs associated with the illegal drug trade. Following the restoration of order on Monday evening, inmates identified as leaders of the violence were transferred to other correctional facilities.
Security has been intensified around the prison, with additional army troops and armed tanks deployed. Sri Lanka's prison system is severely overcrowded, holding over 39,000 inmates against a total capacity of just 10,000.
On Tuesday, hundreds of anxious relatives gathered outside the prison and nearby hospitals, seeking information about their loved ones. Local television footage showed them crying and pleading for updates.