Latest update on the Negombo prison conflict

Another prison officer who sustained injuries during the clash at Negombo Prison has succumbed to his injuries, authorities said.

Opposition members of Parliament staged a protest by wearing black armbands at the commencement of the parliamentary session this morning (08).

The protest was held to demand that the government accept responsibility for the deaths of 27 people following the recent clash at the Negombo Prison, according to opposition MPs.

The MPs entered Parliament wearing black bands in a show of protest over the incident.

A total of 27 individuals including seven prison officers died in the clashes while over 100 sustained injuries.

Meanwhile, the government appointed a Committee of Inquiry to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the unrest at the Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6 and report on the circumstances that led to the incident.

The committee was appointed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The three-member committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Priyantha Fernando. Its members include, Additional Solicitor General and President's Counsel Milinda Gunatilake and President's Counsel Mohan Weerakoon.

Senior Assistant Secretary to the President K.L.D. Asela has been appointed Secretary and Convener of the Committee of Inquiry, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.

An inmate who was transferred to the Agunukolapelessa Prison following the unrest that broke out at the Negombo Prison has passed away.

Meanwhile, another inmate who had been transferred to the Boossa Prison died due to a sudden illness after being admitted to the Galle National Hospital.

Prisons Media Spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake said the inmate passed away while receiving treatment at the hospital.

A total of 1,033 inmates held at the Negombo Prison were transferred to other prisons following Monday's violence.

Among those transferred was Katuwellegama Suresh, who is alleged to have played a leading role in the unrest, and he has been moved to the Boossa Prison.

The prison clash resulted in 27 deaths, including seven officers attached to the Prison Special Tactical Unit.

An inmate who was transferred to the Boossa Prison following the unrest at the Negombo Prison has died after being admitted to the Galle National Hospital due to a sudden illness.

Prisons Media Spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake said the inmate passed away while receiving treatment at the hospital.

Meanwhile, senior officers from all prisons across the country have been summoned for a special meeting scheduled for 7:30 a.m. today (08).

Meanwhile, addressing Parliament on the situation at the Negombo Prison, the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara said discussions would focus on the clash at the facility and the steps required to prevent similar incidents at other prisons.

A total of 1,033 inmates held at the Negombo Prison have since been transferred to other prisons.

Among those transferred was Katuwellegama Suresh, who is alleged to have played a leading role in the unrest, and he has been moved to the Boossa Prison.

The prison clash resulted in 27 deaths, including seven officers attached to the Prison Special Tactical Unit.

A total of 20 inmates were killed in the incident, while nearly 100 others were injured. Hospital sources said 20 of the injured remain in critical condition.

Security authorities have uncovered several key details regarding the unrest at Negombo Prison. Prison sources said some inmates involved in the clash had thrown large rocks at the heads of certain prison officers during the incident.

Justice Minister, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, stated that he is deeply shocked and saddened by the clash that occurred at the Negombo Prison.

Speaking to the media on Monday (July 6) evening, the Minister noted that since such a conflict erupted within an institution under his purview, he must accept responsibility for it.

However, stating that the situation has now been brought under control, the Minister emphasized that the loss of any human life cannot be condoned and that measures must be taken to prevent such situations in the future.

The Justice Minister also mentioned that the clash was between two underworld gangs and stated that the officials did their utmost to resolve the conflict.