Free Lawyers condemn shooting of inmates at Negombo prison

The Free Lawyers organisation strongly condemns the shooting and subsequent deaths of inmates at Negombo prison, labelling the actions as uncivilised, barbaric, and disgraceful. Chief Executive Officer Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon expressed these sentiments during a media briefing held on Mal Road, Colombo, today (07).

Tennakoon stated that no civilised nation opens fire on prisoners under state custody. He noted that the majority of deaths occurred after an officer fired through a small window. He added that the world witnessed this brutality via video footage, reinforcing the organisation's stance that the incident remains entirely unacceptable.

Data presented during the briefing highlighted the severe overcrowding within the prison system, which currently operates at 215% capacity. As of July 3, 2026, the country’s prisons held 41,250 inmates, despite a maximum capacity of only 13,241. Tennakoon pointed out that 73.8% of current inmates are remand prisoners, indicating that individuals are being incarcerated for bailable offences.

Critiquing the government's response, Tennakoon remarked that the Justice Minister relies on social media to identify death tolls. He further alleged that the Minister’s primary focus involves extending the service terms of judges and keeping the Chief Justice in office for longer periods. He asserted that if the Minister truly accepts responsibility for the tragedy, he should resign from his position immediately.

Tennakoon also disclosed that the prison situation remained under control until yesterday morning. He alleged that a group of 30 individuals, reportedly from the prison intelligence unit and dressed in civilian clothes, entered the facility and instigated a disturbance. He stated that this interference led to multiple deaths and left 22 others injured.