Negombo Prison Death Toll Rises to 27

08-Jul-2026

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The death toll from the violent clashes between inmates at Negombo Prison has risen to 27 after another injured prisoner succumbed to injuries in hospital, police said.

Several others, including four prison officers, remain in critical condition. Investigations are being conducted by the Negombo Police, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Central Crime Investigation Bureau, and the Department of Prisons.

The violence began on July 5 between rival inmate groups linked to drug trafficking and those opposing narcotics-related activities. The clashes resumed the following day despite efforts by prison officials to restore order, resulting in the deaths of 19 inmates and seven members of the prison emergency response unit.