Death threats issued against officer involved in Negombo Prison shooting

12-Jul-2026

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A prison officer who opened fire during the recent unrest at Negombo Prison to prevent inmates from escaping has allegedly received death threats from prisoners.

The shooting occurred after inmates reportedly damaged the prison's main gate during the disturbance, prompting the officer to fire in an attempt to prevent a breakout.

The unrest followed clashes between two groups of inmates on the previous day over an alleged narcotics-related issue. Authorities said inmates later threatened the officer, warning that he would be killed once he was outside prison.