No prior intelligence received on Negombo Prison violence: Prisons Chief

Colombo, July 7 (Daily Mirror) - Authorities had received no prior intelligence indicating that a violent incident was likely to occur at Negombo Prison, Acting Commissioner General of Prisons Prasad Hemantha Kumara has confirmed, as multiple investigations continue into the deadly unrest.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Hemantha Kumara said prison officers had been deployed to maintain stability inside the facility, but the situation escalated unexpectedly when inmates turned violent.

“There was no prior information or intelligence received regarding such an incident. Officers were already deployed to maintain order and stability among the inmates,” he said.

He explained that the prison was brought under control after officers intervened and additional personnel were deployed to manage the situation. According to Mr. Hemantha Kumara, the facility was fully secured by the evening of July 5, with inmates returned to their wards and provided meals ahead of scheduled court proceedings the following morning.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said several high-level investigations have been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the unrest.

A three-member independent committee appointed following the latest Cabinet meeting will conduct a separate inquiry. The committee includes a retired Supreme Court judge, an official from the Attorney General’s Department, and a senior lawyer.

In addition, criminal investigations are being carried out by the Negombo Police, the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), while the Prison Headquarters has initiated an internal departmental inquiry.