At least 23 people, including six prison guards, have been killed and more than 100 others injured in a violent riot at Negombo Prison in Sri Lanka. The clashes, which began on Sunday and continued into Monday, involved fighting between inmates from two drug gangs.

Victims suffered cuts, severe bruises, and gunshot wounds. Many were rushed to Negombo Hospital, north of the capital Colombo, with 18 of the more seriously wounded transferred to Colombo National Hospital. Hospital director Pushpa Gamlath confirmed the reception of 23 bodies and over 100 wounded inmates and guards.

Police and commandos have been deployed to secure the prison perimeter, while the air force is monitoring the area using drones and a helicopter. Police spokesman Chandana Herath confirmed the occurrence of the clashes and fatalities but did not provide further details.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara expressed "profound shock and grief" over the incident and stated that authorities are working to separate the rival gangs within the prison. He added, "Whether they were inmates, or associated with the underworld, is not relevant to us at this moment."

This incident is among the deadliest prison riots in Sri Lanka in recent years. In December 2020, a similar riot killed 11 inmates and wounded 117 during the Covid-19 pandemic, prompting the government to release hundreds of prisoners to ease overcrowding.

Sources