Prison Clash Triggered by Rival Drug Gangs, Says Minister

08-Jul-2026

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Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament that the deadly Negombo Prison violence was the result of clashes between rival drug trafficking and organised criminal groups.

Expressing condolences to the families of the seven prison officers and 19 inmates who died, the Minister said the Government accepted responsibility for addressing the tragedy and preventing similar incidents.

He said a retired judge-led committee and several law enforcement agencies were investigating the incident. According to the Minister, the violence was premeditated, with inmates first destroying CCTV cameras and scanning equipment before attacking prison officers. He also cited severe overcrowding, staff shortages and delays in forensic reports as longstanding structural issues contributing to prison management challenges.