Negombo Prison unrest death toll rises to 25 after inmates seize guns

Colombo,UPDATED: Jul 6, 2026 14:58 IST

The death toll in the violent unrest at Negombo Prison in Sri Lanka's western coastal town has risen to 25, authorities said on Monday. The violence began on Sunday when a clash broke out between two rival groups of inmates at the overcrowded prison, and fresh trouble was reported on Monday after rioting inmates seized prison guns.

Hiru News, quoting authorities, reported that 19 people were killed and more than 100 were injured in the clashes and the disturbances that followed inside the prison. Security was stepped up significantly, with the Police Special Task Force and riot control units deployed to bring the situation under control.

According to preliminary findings, the violence is believed to have started between one group allegedly backing drug trafficking activities inside the prison and another group opposing such activities. As part of efforts to restore order and prevent further violence, three inmates were transferred to the Pallansena Prison Camp on Monday, authorities said.

Prisons Department Media Spokesman AC Gajanayake said a special investigation had been launched into the incident. He said a dedicated investigation team had been appointed on the instructions of the Commissioner General of Prisons to carry out a comprehensive inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the unrest. A separate police investigation is also under way.

Meanwhile, Minister of Justice Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara has called for a detailed report on the clashes involving inmates at Negombo Prison. A magisterial inquiry into the incident was conducted on Sunday, as authorities continued efforts on Monday to contain the fallout from the violence and investigate how it unfolded.

With PTI Inputs

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