Negombo Prison officer who opened fire transferred to Pallekele

Colombo, July 14 (Daily Mirror) - The prison officer who opened fire while attempting to control the violent clash at the Negombo Prison has been temporarily transferred to the Pallekele Prison.

Prison Spokesman and Commissioner of Prisons A.C. Gajanayake confirmed the transfer.

The officer had opened fire on July 6 after a group of inmates allegedly broke through the prison’s final wooden gate and attempted to escape during a violent incident at the facility.

Preliminary investigations into the incident have revealed that a group of inmates had launched a life-threatening attack on prison officers, and the firearm was used by the officer to control the situation and protect the lives of fellow officers, according to prison authorities.

An investigation has been launched to determine whether the shooting was carried out in accordance with prison regulations and whether there was any misuse of authority.

A total of 31 people, including 10 prison officers, died following the violent incidents reported at the Negombo Prison and subsequent clashes.