Key facts
- At least 25 people were killed in violence at Negombo Prison.
- Over 100 people were injured during the unrest.
- Four prison guards were among the deceased.
- The riots occurred over two days.
- Violence began with clashes between two inmate groups.
- Inmates attempted to seize prison guns.
- Inmates attempted to rush prison gates.
- Negombo Prison is located in western Sri Lanka.
Two days of violence at Negombo Prison in western Sri Lanka resulted in the deaths of at least 25 individuals, with over 100 others sustaining injuries. Among the fatalities were four prison guards. The unrest originated from clashes between two distinct groups of inmates within the prison. The situation rapidly escalated as inmates attempted to gain control of prison firearms and make a concerted effort to rush the prison gates, indicating a significant breakdown in security and control. The prison is a key facility in the western part of the island nation.