- At least 25 people were killed in a prison riot in Sri Lanka
- About 100 others were injured during two days of clashes
- Authorities have launched an investigation into the violence
At least 25 people lost their lives and about 100 others were injured after violent clashes erupted between rival groups of inmates at a prison in Sri Lanka, authorities said on Monday.
The unrest, described as one of the country’s deadliest prison incidents in recent years, began on Sunday at Negombo Prison, located about 35 kilometres north of Colombo, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
According to prison authorities, the confrontation involved convicted inmates and prisoners being held in temporary detention at the correctional facility, which houses around 2,400 inmates.
The initial violence on Sunday left two prisoners dead and 38 others injured. However, the situation escalated on Monday morning when another round of fighting broke out, resulting in 23 additional deaths, including six prison officials.
Security agencies deployed riot police and special forces to restore order after inmates reportedly attacked prison personnel and attempted to force their way out of the facility.
Eyewitnesses said injured prisoners were transported to nearby hospitals in police vehicles as emergency responders worked to evacuate the wounded and secure the prison complex.
Outside the prison, anxious relatives gathered seeking information about their loved ones but were kept behind a police security cordon.
The spokesperson for Sri Lanka’s Department of Prisons, Chamika Gajanayake, said the violence started while breakfast was being served to inmates.
He explained that prison officers intervened to stop the confrontation, but the inmates turned on security personnel, chasing them towards the prison entrance in what appeared to be an escape attempt.
Authorities believe the clashes may be linked to drug trafficking activities within the prison, although officials declined to provide further details because investigations are ongoing.
Medical officials confirmed that about 100 injured people were treated at Negombo Hospital for gunshot wounds, cuts and other injuries, while several others were transferred to another medical facility for specialised care.
The Sri Lankan military was placed on standby to support police operations, while the Air Force deployed helicopters and drones to monitor the prison and surrounding areas.
By Monday evening, armed military personnel and armoured vehicles had been stationed around the prison to prevent further unrest.
Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, who visited the prison after order was restored, extended condolences to the families of those who died.
He disclosed that some weapons had fallen into the hands of inmates during the disturbance but said authorities were still determining how many were involved.
Officials confirmed that the prison is now fully under government control, while investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the violence and identify those responsible.
Sri Lanka has witnessed deadly prison riots in the past, including incidents in 2020 and 2012 that claimed dozens of lives
