In brief
Violent riots at Negombo Prison in Sri Lanka left at least 25 dead, including four guards, and more than 100 injured. The unrest began when inmates seized firearms and fought over a drug‑trafficking investigation, sparking gunfire and a roof collapse that injured female prisoners. Military and police responded, while inmates were temporarily transferred to other facilities and investigations were ordered by the Minister of Justice. With a prison population four times its capacity, the incident highlights ongoing overcrowding and security challenges.
At least 25 people, including four guards, were killed and more than 100 wounded during two days of violent riots at Negombo Prison in western Sri Lanka.
The violence erupted when inmates seized firearms and clashed over a drug‑trafficking investigation, resulting in gunfire and a roof collapse that injured female prisoners.
Security forces and the military were deployed to the site, while the military was placed on standby after police requested support. Inmates were transferred to other facilities and preliminary investigations were ordered by the Minister of Justice and Prisons.
Negombo Prison currently holds a four‑fold over‑capacity inmate population, with 41,250 prisoners in a system designed for far fewer.