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Clashes break out in Sri Lankan jail, 26 dead, over 100 hurt
🇮🇳 India /Crime & Justice

Clashes break out in Sri Lankan jail, 26 dead, over 100 hurt

From Times of India · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Deadly clashes erupted inside a prison in Negombo, Sri Lanka, resulting in at least 26 deaths and over 100 injuries.
  • The violence, which began Sunday and continued into Monday, is believed to have stemmed from a dispute between groups involved in drug trafficking and those opposing it.
  • Sri Lankan Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara took responsibility for the incident, stating the situation has been brought under control.

At least 26 people died and over 100 were injured in violent clashes that broke out inside a prison on the outskirts of Sri Lanka's capital, officials reported Monday. The unrest at the prison in Negombo, located north of Colombo, began on Sunday and persisted into Monday.

Preliminary investigations suggest the violence erupted between two factions within the prison: one allegedly supporting drug trafficking activities and another group opposing them. This internal conflict escalated into a deadly confrontation.

Sri Lankan Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara acknowledged responsibility for the incident, stating, "This is an institution under my purview; hence, I take responsibility. Seven prison officials and 19 inmates have died." He assured that the situation has since been brought under control.

This is an institution under my purview; hence, I take responsibility. Seven prison officials and 19 inmates have died.

— Harshana NanayakkaraThe Sri Lankan Justice Minister taking responsibility for the prison clashes.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Times of India. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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