Negombo Prison Inmates Wreak Havoc, Nearly 700 Transferred After Clash

Nearly 700 inmates have been transferred from the Negombo prison to facilities across Sri Lanka following a violent clash between two groups of prisoners. The Department of Prisons stated that the move was necessary to control potential unrest and ensure the safety of the remaining inmates. The transfers were carried out under heavy guard, involving the army, police special task force, and military officials, with inmates transported in military vehicles.

The situation at the prison remains tense, with 23 prison officers and 54 inmates still receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the conflict. The scale of the violence is further underscored by the extensive damage caused by the inmates. They reportedly destroyed the prison's CCTV surveillance systems and body scanner machines, severely compromising security infrastructure.

Authorities have moved the transferred inmates to prisons including Welikada, Angunukolapelessa, Bogambara, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kuruvita. The department's primary objective is to restore order and prevent any recurrence of such incidents within the prison system. The full extent of the damage and the specific causes of the initial clash are under investigation.