25 Killed in Sri Lanka Negombo Prison Clash, Army Deployed

At least 25 people were killed after violent clashes erupted for a second consecutive day at Negombo Prison in western Sri Lanka, according to local media reports. The dead include 20 inmates and five prison officers. Nearly 100 others were injured in the violence.

Local outlets Ada Derana and NewsWire reported that the unrest began on Sunday, July 5, when fighting broke out between remand prisoners and convicted inmates inside Negombo Prison. The initial clash left two inmates dead and 38 others injured.

The situation escalated on Monday, July 6, as prison officers and inmates became involved in fresh confrontations. Authorities said the violence intensified to the point where security forces opened fire in an effort to regain control of the prison.

The Sri Lankan government later deployed the military to secure the prison and prevent further unrest. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Negombo Prison has an official capacity of 2,417 inmates. Prison authorities have formed a high-level investigation committee to determine what triggered the violence. Security has also been strengthened inside the prison and in surrounding areas.

Officials have not yet announced the cause of the clashes. The investigation remains ongoing.