Sri Lanka Prison Clash Kills 26 Inmates and Officials

The death toll from clashes at Negombo prison in Sri Lanka rose to 26 on Tuesday, including seven prison officials and 19 inmates. One report placed the figure at 27. The unrest began Sunday between rival gangs tied to the illegal drug trade.

It escalated Monday when inmates attacked intervening guards, overpowered them, seized weapons and opened fire, according to police. Inmates also smashed a CCTV camera during the chaos and attempted to break through the main gate before being stopped. Order was restored Monday evening.

Inmates who led the violence were transferred to other prisons. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told parliament that three separate investigations are underway, including a police probe, an internal prison department review and a committee led by a retired judge. He described the incident as a “tragic incident” and said the inquiries will examine security lapses and prison congestion.

Another 77 people, 23 prison officials and 54 inmates, are being treated in hospitals, Nanayakkara said. Doctors reported 97 victims, including 23 prison officers, remained in Negombo hospital with gunshot wounds, cuts and severe bruises. Clashes wounded more than 100 people overall.

Hundreds of relatives gathered outside the prison and hospital on Tuesday seeking information about their loved ones. Security around the prison has been heightened with additional army troops and armed tanks deployed. Sri Lankan prisons house more than 39,000 inmates in a system with a total capacity of 10,000.