Two dead, 35 injured in Negombo Prison clash over alleged drug trade dispute

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

Two inmates were killed and 35 others injured after a violent clash allegedly triggered by a dispute over an illicit drug trafficking operation broke out between two groups of prisoners at the Negombo Prison yesterday (05).    Hospital sources said the deceased succumbed to injuries sustained during the violence. Of the injured, two inmates in critical condition have been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital for further treatment, while the remaining injured prisoners were admitted to the Negombo Base Hospital.   

Hospital sources said ten of the injured inmates were expected to undergo emergency surgeries at the Negombo Base Hospital, while the others are receiving treatment under close medical supervision.   

Following the incident, prison authorities sought immediate assistance to bring the situation under control. Additional contingents of Police and the Police Special Task Force (STF) were deployed to the prison, with security strengthened to prevent any further disturbances. Meanwhile, it was reported that several inmates may have escaped from the prison premises during the chaos of the altercation. However, prison authorities have yet to officially verify whether an escape took place.    

Prison authorities and police have launched investigations into the incident.