At least 25 prisoners were killed and around 100 others injured after violent clashes erupted between two groups of inmates at a prison in Negombo, a coastal town about 32 kilometres north of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo.
According to reports, the violence began on July 5 and involved convicted prisoners and inmates who were being held in detention while awaiting the outcome of their legal cases.
Violence erupts inside prison
The confrontation reportedly escalated rapidly, leading to one of the deadliest prison incidents in the country’s recent history.
Prison authorities and security personnel intervened to bring the situation under control, while emergency medical teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Officials have not yet disclosed the exact cause of the clashes, and an investigation has been launched to determine what triggered the violence.
Authorities launch probe
Sri Lankan authorities are examining the circumstances that led to the unrest, including possible security lapses and tensions between different groups of inmates.
The prison has been placed under heightened security to prevent any further disturbances, while officials continue to assess the extent of the damage and verify the identities of those killed and injured.
Concerns over prison conditions
The incident has renewed concerns over overcrowding, inmate safety and prison management in Sri Lanka. Human rights groups have previously called for reforms to improve prison conditions and reduce violence within correctional facilities.
Authorities have assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted and appropriate action taken based on its findings.
The injured prisoners continue to receive medical treatment, while security has been tightened across the prison complex to maintain order.