A deadly prison clash in Sri Lanka has claimed the lives of at least 25 people, while more than 100 others were injured after violent fighting broke out between rival inmate groups at Negombo Prison. The incident is among the deadliest prison disturbances the country has witnessed in recent years and has raised fresh concerns about overcrowding and security inside correctional facilities.
According to police officials, the violence began on Sunday evening when members of two rival drug gangs engaged in a fierce confrontation inside the prison. The unrest quickly spread throughout the facility, making it difficult for prison authorities to regain control. The injured, including inmates and prison guards, were rushed to Negombo Hospital, where medical teams worked throughout the night to treat those suffering from serious injuries.
Hospital Director Pushpa Gamlath confirmed that victims arrived with gunshot wounds, deep cuts, and severe bruises. She stated that the hospital initially received 23 bodies, while authorities later confirmed the death toll had increased to at least 25.
As panic spread across the prison, women inmates housed in a separate section climbed onto a rooftop demanding their release. During the chaos, part of the roof collapsed, leaving several women injured. Security forces sealed off the prison as worried family members gathered outside seeking information about their loved ones.
Authorities deployed air force drones and a helicopter to monitor the prison complex, while police commandos remained on standby. Local residents reported hearing multiple gunshots as officials struggled to contain the violence. Reports also confirmed that four prison guards lost their lives while attempting to stop the clashes.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the severe overcrowding in Sri Lanka’s prison system. Official figures show that the country’s prisons currently hold more than 41,000 inmates, nearly four times their intended capacity. Similar violence occurred in 2020, when prison riots resulted in multiple deaths and prompted authorities to release hundreds of inmates to ease overcrowding during the Covid 19 pandemic.
