Two Prison Officers Among Three Killed in Fresh Negombo Prison Rioting

COLOMBO (News 1st); Fresh rioting erupted at the Negombo Prison on Monday morning, leaving two prison officers and one other individual dead, further escalating tensions following a deadly inmate clash that claimed the lives of two prisoners on Sunday.

The latest violence comes amid an ongoing security operation at the prison, where authorities have been attempting to restore order following clashes between rival groups of inmates.

Following Sunday's confrontation, three inmates were transferred to the Pallansena Prison Camp as authorities moved to prevent further unrest.

The Department of Prisons stated that Sunday's clash resulted in the deaths of two inmates and left 38 others injured.

A total of 32 inmates are currently receiving treatment at the Negombo Hospital. A hospital spokesman said nearly 20 injured inmates have undergone surgical procedures.

One of the injured inmates remains in critical condition, while three others in serious condition have been transferred to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Colombo for specialized treatment.

During the unrest, four inmates participating in a protest inside the prison were also injured when the roof of a prison building collapsed.

Prisons Department Media Spokesman A.C. Gajanayake said a special investigation has been launched into the incident.

He stated that a dedicated investigative team has been appointed on the instructions of the Commissioner General of Prisons to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the violence.

A separate police investigation is also underway.

Meanwhile, Minister of Justice Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, said he has called for a report on the clash involving inmates at the Negombo Prison.

A magisterial inquiry into the incident was conducted last night as authorities continued investigations into the circumstances surrounding the violence.

Investigations conducted thus far have revealed that the clash is believed to have erupted between a group allegedly supporting drug trafficking activities within the prison and another group opposed to such activities.

Authorities continue to investigate both the deadly inmate clash and the renewed violence that broke out on Monday, as security remains heightened in and around the Negombo Prison complex.