NEGOMBO — Clashes between inmates from two rival drug gangs at Negombo Prison in Sri Lanka resulted in 26 deaths and more than 100 injuries. The fighting began on Sunday evening and continued overnight.

Seven guards were among the 26 people killed in the clashes; they died while attempting to break up the rioting on Monday. Victims with cuts and gunshot injuries were transported to Negombo hospital.

Hospital director Pushpa Gamlath stated that 23 bodies were at the state-run facility. Gamlath also reported that over 100 wounded prisoners and guards from Negombo Prison were at the hospital. "There are some victims with gunshot injuries, some with cuts and severe bruises," Gamlath said. "We transferred 18 of the more seriously wounded to the Colombo National hospital," she added.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara confirmed that three additional people had died, bringing the total to 26. Nanayakkara commented on the deaths, stating, "This is something that should never have occurred." He added, "Human beings have died, and there is a deep shock regarding that." Nanayakkara also said, "Whether they were inmates, or associated with the underworld, is not relevant to us at this moment."

Female inmates in an adjacent section of the prison climbed onto a roof and demanded their release. Prisoners had reportedly seized several guns from guards earlier in the day. Local residents reported hearing gunshots. The air force deployed drones and a helicopter to monitor the area around the prison.

The government announced the establishment of a three-member team, led by a retired supreme court justice, to investigate the riot. Prison spokesperson Chaminda Gajanayake stated that no foreign prisoners were affected by the riots. Large crowds of relatives gathered outside Negombo on Monday.

Why It Matters

The incident at Negombo Prison, which houses several thousand detainees, reflects challenges within Sri Lanka's prison system. Official data shows that as of Sunday, prisons across the country held 41,250 prisoners. This population is approximately four times the total capacity of Sri Lankan prisons, indicating overcrowding.