Five forensic experts appointed to probe Negombo prison deaths

A team of five forensic medical officers was appointed to conduct post-mortems on the individuals who died in the Negombo prison clash, Negombo hospital sources stated.

26 individuals died, and over 100 others sustained injuries during the unrest that broke out within the Negombo prison over two days, the day before yesterday (05) and yesterday (06).

Seven officers, including a prison jailor, and 19 inmates are among the dead.

The injured continue to receive treatment at the Negombo District General Hospital, whilst four prison officers in critical condition were transferred to the Colombo National Hospital.

Additionally, nearly 18 individuals were transferred to the Welisara, Ragama, and Gampaha hospitals for further treatment.

Over 700 inmates have been transferred to other prisons since the unrest at the Negombo prison.

The situation at the prison is currently under control, Prison Spokesperson, Prison Commissioner A. C. Gajanayaka stated.

A clash broke out inside the Negombo prison for the first time the day before yesterday, leaving two dead and 34 others injured.

Another clash broke out between the two groups yesterday morning when prison officers went to provide breakfast to the inmates, Prison Spokesperson, Prison Commissioner A. C. Gajanayaka stated.

The prison officers present at the location attempted to control it, but the inmates attacked them as well.

The inmates attacked again when the officers attempted to leave the area.

The inmates also tried to break the main entrance gate of the prison, and the clash escalated when officers attempted to prevent it.

Accordingly, steps were taken to call the Army, another group from the Police Special Task Force, and Riot Control Unit officers to the prison premises to control the situation.

The police fired several warning shots into the air to control the situation.

Ten police teams were deployed, considering the prevailing situation, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Western Province, Sajeewa Medawatta, stated.

The Army was also deployed to secure the surroundings of the prison.

Against such a backdrop, relatives of the inmates inside the prison also arrived at the prison premises yesterday.

Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara arrived to inspect the Negombo prison where the clash occurred.

The Negombo Magistrate is scheduled to arrive at the prison premises today for a site inspection.

Cabinet approval was granted to appoint a committee chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Priyantha Fernando to investigate this incident and submit a report, the Government Information Department announced yesterday.

A detailed report regarding the unrest at the Negombo prison will be presented to Parliament today, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara expressed.

A special discussion among Samagi Jana Balawegaya Members of Parliament will be held this morning, Member of Parliament Gayantha Karunathilaka stated.

The actions to be taken within Parliament regarding this incident will be discussed during the meeting.