Sri Lanka prison riot death toll disputed as investigations begin

At least 25 people were killed in a prison riot in Negombo, Sri Lanka, though the exact death toll varies among sources. The clash, which began on Sunday evening between rival drug gangs, also left more than 100 wounded, including prison guards.

Clash Details

Fighting started between inmates from two drug gangs at Negombo prison, about 35 km north of Colombo. Inmates overpowered guards, seized weapons, and opened fire Source: SCMP. Seven guards were killed, according to some reports Source: The Guardian, while others say four Source: CNA or six Source: SCMP. The discrepancy in the death toll ranges from 19 to 27, with later reports raising the number to 26 or 27 Source: AP News.

Aftermath

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara announced three investigations: a police probe, an internal prison inquiry, and a committee led by a retired judge Source: AP News. Armed police and military were deployed outside the prison, but not inside Source: DW News. Hospital director Pushpa Gamlath reported 23 bodies initially, with many victims suffering gunshot wounds and bruises Source: Al Jazeera.

Overcrowding

Sri Lankan prisons are severely overcrowded, holding about 41,250 inmates in a system designed for 10,000 Source: The Guardian. This incident is the deadliest prison riot in years, surpassing a 2020 riot that killed 11 inmates Source: CNA.