Urgent adjournment debate requested over deadly Negombo prison clashes

The primary responsibility for the safety of prisoners and detainees in state custody lies entirely with the government.

A group of Members from the opposition stressed this in a formal request addressed to the Speaker today (07), demanding an urgent adjournment debate under Standing Order 19(1).

Full responsibility for the casualties falls squarely upon the government following the serious unrest and clashes that broke out within the Negombo Prison on 5 and 6 July.

Official accounts indicate that 26 individuals, including prison officials and prisoners, died, while over 100 individuals sustained injuries during the incidents.

Those who are remanded and imprisoned remain under the custody of the state, whether they are remand prisoners or convicts, a November 2020 Hansard report cited in the document noted.

Given the extreme gravity and urgent nature of the matter, the lawmakers requested an immediate opportunity to bring the crisis to the attention of Parliament.