CID, CCD Launch Probe As Negombo Prison Death Toll Climbs To 26

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) have jointly launched investigations into the deadly violence at the Negombo Prison.

Acting Police Media Spokesperson SSP Chandana Herath said facts relating to the incident have been reported to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court and permission has been obtained to conduct the investigations.

The clash, which erupted between two rival groups linked to drug trafficking and organized crime inside the Negombo Prison, has escalated into one of the deadliest prison incidents in recent years, claiming 26 lives.

Prisons Media Spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake said the fatalities include seven prison officers and nine inmates, while the identities of several other victims are still being verified.

More than 100 people injured in the violence are receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital, Ragama Teaching Hospital, and Negombo District General Hospital.

The unrest initially began on Sunday when a confrontation broke out between two groups of inmates, leaving two people dead and 38 others injured.

Prison authorities said tensions flared again yesterday morning when officers entered the facility to distribute breakfast to inmates. 

During the unrest, inmates reportedly hurled stones at prison officers, making rescue efforts difficult and requiring extensive operations to evacuate the injured.

The Department of Prisons stated that the violence caused extensive damage to prison property.

Meanwhile, nearly 700 inmates from the Negombo Prison have been transferred to other facilities. 

Authorities said tensions also arose during the transfer process due to the intervention of relatives gathered outside the prison.

The situation inside the prison has now been brought fully under control, with security significantly strengthened. 

The prison housed nearly 2,400 inmates. 

Negombo District General Hospital Director Dr. Pushpa Gamlath said 18 critically injured individuals have been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital for treatment, while several others continue to receive care in Negombo.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet of Ministers, which met yesterday, decided to appoint a committee to conduct a formal and comprehensive investigation into the violent incident at the Negombo Prison and submit a report outlining the causes of the incident, the measures that should be taken in response, and recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Priyantha Fernando has been appointed as the Chairman of the committee, while retired Additional Solicitor General and President’s Counsel Milinda Gunathilake and President’s Counsel Mohan Weerakoon have been named as the other members.

The committee is expected to carry out a wide-ranging investigation into all aspects of the incident and submit a report containing its findings and recommendations to the government.