Sri Lanka prison clash in Negombo kills at least 19, wounds 72

Updated - July 06, 2026 02:13 pm IST - COLOMBO

PTI

The death toll in the violent unrest at a prison in Sri Lanka's western coastal town of Negombo has risen to 19, authorities said.

A clash erupted on Sunday (July 5, 2026) between two rival groups of inmates in the over-capacity prison. Clashes erupted again on Monday (July 6, 2026) as rioting inmates had grabbed prison guns.

Director of the Negombo Hospital, Pushpa Gamlath, said 19 people have been killed and 72 have been injured as a result of the clashes and subsequent disturbances within the prison.

Cause of Violence

Preliminary findings have revealed that the violence is believed to have erupted between:

• A group allegedly supporting drug trafficking activities within the prison
• Another group opposed to such activities

Security Response

Security has been significantly strengthened, with the Police Special Task Force (STF) and riot control units deployed to contain the situation, police said.

Following the clashes, three inmates were transferred to the Pallansena Prison Camp on Monday (July 6, 2026) as part of efforts to restore order and prevent further violence.

Image for representation only. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Investigations

Prisons Department Media Spokesman AC Gajanayake stated that a special investigation has been launched into the incident. He said a dedicated investigation team has been appointed on the instructions of the Commissioner General of Prisons to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the causes and circumstances surrounding the unrest.

A separate police investigation is also underway.

Official Response

Minister of Justice, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, has called for a detailed report on the clashes involving inmates at the Negombo Prison.

A magisterial inquiry into the incident was conducted on Sunday.

Published - July 06, 2026 02:11 pm IST