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Violence at Negombo prison left 26 people dead after rival inmate groups clashed and seized guns. The minister accepted responsibility as security tightened and multiple investigations began.
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Colombo,UPDATED: Jul 6, 2026 20:08 IST
Sri Lanka's Justice Minister on Monday took responsibility for the violent unrest at Negombo prison as the death toll rose to 26, with authorities saying more than 100 people were injured. The violence began on Sunday after a clash between two rival groups of inmates and flared up again on Monday when rioting prisoners got hold of prison guns.
Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said the situation had been brought under control, even as security was tightened and multiple investigations were launched. Officials said the prison was holding around 1,800 inmates when the clashes broke out.
"This is an institution under my purview; hence, I take responsibility. Seven prison officials and nineteen inmates have died," Nanayakkara told reporters. He added that action must be taken to prevent such incidents from happening again.
According to preliminary findings, the violence is believed to have broken out between a group allegedly backing drug trafficking activities inside the prison and another group opposed to such activities. Authorities said 26 people, including seven prison officials, were killed in the clashes and the disturbances that followed inside the prison.
Security has been significantly strengthened, with the Police Special Task Force and riot control units deployed to contain the situation. Authorities also said three inmates were transferred to the Pallansena Prison Camp on Monday as part of efforts to restore order and prevent further violence.
Prisons Department Media Spokesman AC Gajanayake said a special investigation had been launched into the incident. He said a dedicated team had been appointed on the instructions of the Commissioner General of Prisons to carry out a detailed inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the unrest. A separate police investigation is also under way, while a magisterial inquiry into the incident was conducted on Sunday.
The unrest at the over-capacity Negombo prison has left 26 dead and more than 100 injured, with the government saying the situation is now under control even as security remains tight and investigations continue.
With PTI Inputs
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Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jul 6, 2026 20:08 IST
