Inmates to be transferred following deadly Negombo Prison riot

Colombo, July 06 (Daily Mirror) - Authorities have begun arrangements to transfer a group of inmates from Negombo Prison to other prisons across the country following the deadly unrest at the facility.

Prison Media Spokesperson and Commissioner of Prisons, A.C. Gajanayake, said the transfers are part of urgent measures aimed at easing tensions inside the prison and restoring order.

At least 25 fatalities, including five prison officers and 20 inmates, were reported following the clash at Negombo Prison.

Furthermore, nearly 100 individuals sustained injuries during the encounter. While most are receiving emergency treatment locally, eight critically injured victims have been transferred to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Colombo for specialised medical care.

The latest unrest erupted around 10:00 a.m. today when a group of inmates allegedly attempted to force their way through the prison’s main entrance in an apparent bid to break out.

Police and the Police Special Task Force (STF) were deployed to the prison to bring the situation under control. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots from within the prison premises as security forces worked to suppress the violence.

Later, the Army and Air Force were also deployed to ease the situation.