A violent outbreak inside a prison in western Sri Lanka has left at least 25 people dead and more than 100 others injured, making it one of the country’s deadliest prison incidents in recent years. The clashes occurred at Negombo Prison, located around 35 kilometres north of the capital, Colombo, and continued for two consecutive days before security forces managed to regain partial control.
How the Violence Began
According to local authorities, unrest first erupted on Sunday inside Negombo Prison and intensified on Monday. Initial reports suggest that the violence started after a confrontation between rival groups of inmates. As tensions escalated, prison officials struggled to contain the situation, forcing police and military personnel to intervene.
During the clashes, several inmates reportedly seized weapons, further worsening the violence. Security personnel opened fire in an attempt to restore order after the fighting spread across different sections of the prison.
Casualties and Injuries
Authorities have confirmed that at least 25 people lost their lives in the incident. The victims include prison inmates as well as prison officers who were caught in the violence while attempting to control the situation. More than 100 people sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Several of the injured remain in critical condition.
Hospital officials stated that emergency medical teams worked throughout the day to treat those suffering from gunshot wounds, blunt-force injuries and other serious trauma caused during the clashes.
Security Forces Deployed
As the violence intensified, Sri Lankan authorities deployed additional police units, army personnel and members of the Special Task Force to secure the prison complex. Roads surrounding the prison were heavily guarded while emergency services transported the injured to medical facilities.
Officials later announced that the situation had been brought under control, although security remains tight to prevent any further unrest.
Investigation Underway
The Sri Lankan government has launched multiple investigations to determine the exact cause of the clashes. Officials are examining whether organised criminal groups operating inside the prison played a role in triggering the violence. Investigators are also reviewing how inmates gained access to weapons and why the unrest escalated so rapidly.
Justice Ministry officials have requested a comprehensive report from prison authorities, while law enforcement agencies continue interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence from the scene.
Overcrowding Remains a Major Concern
The incident has once again highlighted the severe overcrowding within Sri Lanka’s prison system. Official figures indicate that the country’s prisons house more than 39,000 inmates despite having space for only about 10,000 prisoners. Experts have long warned that overcrowding, limited resources and the influence of criminal networks inside prisons significantly increase the risk of violent confrontations.
