Deadly Prison Riot in Sri Lanka Leaves at Least 25 Dead
Violent clashes in a Sri Lankan prison near Colombo have resulted in at least 25 deaths and around 100 injuries, according to reports from international news agencies. The riot, which began on Sunday evening, has left both prisoners and prison staff among the victims.
The unrest erupted at Negombo Prison, which holds approximately 10,000 inmates despite the facility’s limited capacity. Ilta-Sanomat cites local television channel Hiru, which reports that 25 people have been killed, while Yle initially confirmed at least 19 fatalities, including four prison guards. The discrepancy in death tolls remains unresolved, though police sources have acknowledged multiple casualties without specifying exact numbers.
The violence reportedly stemmed from a confrontation between rival groups within the prison. Reuters states that clashes broke out between remand prisoners and convicted inmates, though the exact cause remains unclear. Yle attributes the initial unrest to a dispute between two drug gangs. Police spokesperson Chandana Herath confirmed to the Associated Press (AP) that fatalities occurred but did not provide further details.
Sri Lanka’s prison system is severely overcrowded, with a total inmate population of 39,000 despite facilities designed to hold only 10,000 (AP). Authorities are currently evacuating parts of Negombo Prison and transferring inmates to other locations as they attempt to regain control. Police sources told Reuters that the situation remains volatile, with ongoing efforts to secure the facility.
