A violent clash between rival groups of inmates at a prison in Negombo, a coastal city on Sri Lanka’s western coast, has claimed 26 lives and left more than 100 people injured, according to officials. The incident, which unfolded over two consecutive days, is one of the deadliest prison riots reported in the country in recent years. The prison, located near the capital Colombo, houses around 1,800 inmates. Authorities said the violence began after tensions escalated between two groups of prisoners—one allegedly supporting the smuggling of illegal drugs into the prison and another opposing it. The confrontation quickly turned into a large-scale riot. During the initial violence, two inmates were killed and dozens sustained injuries. At least 34 seriously injured prisoners were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. However, fresh clashes erupted the following day, causing the death toll to rise sharply to 26. Officials confirmed that six prison officers were among those killed, while more than 100 people, including inmates and prison staff, were injured. Thirteen of the critically wounded were transferred to the National Hospital of Colombo for advanced medical care. According to preliminary reports, some inmates managed to seize firearms from prison guards and opened fire during the riot, further intensifying the violence. The prison remains under heavy security as authorities work to restore order.
The unrest also created tension outside the prison, where relatives and friends of inmates gathered in large numbers, prompting additional security measures. To bring the situation under control, Sri Lanka deployed special police task force units and riot control personnel to the prison. Authorities have also transferred several inmates to other correctional facilities in an effort to prevent further violence and restore stability. The Commissioner General of Prisons has ordered a special investigation into the incident, and an inquiry committee has already begun examining the circumstances that led to the deadly clashes. Prison Department spokesperson Gajanayake confirmed that the investigation is underway. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has directed prison authorities to submit a detailed report on the incident. The government is expected to review prison security measures, investigate allegations of drug smuggling inside correctional facilities, and recommend reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. The tragic incident has once again raised serious concerns about overcrowding, prison security, gang violence, and the influence of illegal drug networks within Sri Lanka’s correctional system, highlighting the urgent need for stronger prison management and security reforms.
