25 Killed, Over 100 Injured in Deadly Sri Lanka Prison Clashes

At least 25 people have died and over 100 others were injured after violent clashes inside Negombo Prison in western Sri Lanka, authorities said on Monday, as security forces worked to restore order at the overcrowded facility.

The unrest began on Sunday following a confrontation between two rival inmate groups and intensified the next day when some prisoners reportedly gained access to firearms within the prison, escalating the violence.

Initial findings suggest the clashes were linked to tensions between inmates allegedly involved in drug trafficking operations inside the prison and another group attempting to resist such activities. In response, authorities deployed the Police Special Task Force (STF) and riot control personnel to bring the situation under control.

As part of efforts to prevent further disturbances, prison officials shifted several inmates to Pallansena Prison Camp . Authorities said the casualties include both prisoners and prison staff , highlighting the scale of the incident.

The Department of Prisons has constituted a special team to investigate the cause of the violence, while police have launched a separate criminal probe. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has directed officials to submit a comprehensive report on the incident, and a magisterial inquiry is also underway.

The deadly unrest has once again drawn attention to Sri Lanka's overcrowded prison system , where inmate numbers far exceed the designed capacity, raising persistent concerns over prison security, management and inmate welfare.