Deadly Riot in Sri Lanka Prison Leaves Dozens Dead, Hundreds Injured

A violent riot at Negombo prison in Sri Lanka has left at least 26 people dead and over 100 injured, according to officials. The unrest began Sunday night and continued into Monday, prompting a massive security response.

The Riot

Two groups of inmates, reportedly rival drug traffickers, clashed in the overcrowded facility. Some sources say the fighting started over a failed drug transaction Source: lavozar. Family members outside the prison claimed the riot was a protest against poor living conditions Source: lavozar.

Death Toll and Injuries

Casualty figures vary slightly across reports. Lavozar reports 26 dead (including five prison staff), while ABC reports 23 dead (19 inmates and four guards) Source: abces. Infobae confirms 25 dead, with five staff among them Source: infobae. Over 100 were hospitalized, with some suffering gunshot wounds Source: abces.

Overcrowding Crisis

The riot highlights severe overcrowding in Sri Lankan prisons. Key statistics:

• Negombo prison holds 2,600 inmates against a capacity of 650 Source: lavozar.
• National overcrowding rate stands at 286.6% Source: infobae.
• Over 60% of inmates are awaiting trial Source: lavozar.

Authorities transferred riot leaders to other prisons and are investigating Source: lavozar.