Negombo Prison Clash Death Toll Rises to 29

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The bodies of prison officers killed during the deadly clash between two rival drug and organised crime gangs at the Negombo Prison have been handed over to their families.

The death toll from the incident has now risen to 29, including eight prison officers and 21 inmates.

The body of Prison Sergeant Dilan Sri Abeywardena, who was killed in the incident, was taken to his residence in Mathawa, Kohilegedara, Kurunegala last evening.

Meanwhile, security around the Negombo Prison has been strengthened, with personnel from the Police Special Task Force and the Sri Lanka Army deployed to guard the prison's premises.

Prisons Spokesman A.C. Gajanayake said prison officers are continuing to handle security operations inside the prison, while the situation remains fully under control.

Three teams from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have launched investigations into the incident.

Security authorities have already uncovered significant details regarding the clash.

According to prison officials, several officers were fatally attacked after inmates struck them on the head with large stones.

Investigators believe the violence began at around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, when a group allegedly involved in drug trafficking inside the prison attacked inmates suspected of providing information to prison authorities.

Prison officials claim the assault was orchestrated by an inmate identified as Katuwelle Gama Suresh.

Two inmates who were initially assaulted later died from their injuries.

Officials said security personnel eventually restored order and all inmates were returned to their cells.

However, Acting Commissioner General of Prisons Prasad Hemantha Kumara revealed at a Cabinet media briefing that, later that night, inmates broke into the prison hospital and took all medication prescribed for psychiatric patients.