Deadly Prison Clash in Sri Lanka Leaves at Least 20 Dead, Over 100 Injured

International Desk | PNN

At least 20 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in a violent clash at a prison in Sri Lanka. The violence erupted on Sunday at Negombo Prison, about 35 kilometers north of the capital Colombo, and continued into Monday.

Local administration and hospital sources confirmed that among the dead are at least 16 inmates and four prison guards. Both prisoners and security personnel are among the injured, with several in critical condition.

Negombo Hospital Director Pushpa Gamlath said 23 bodies have been received at the hospital, while more than a hundred injured inmates and prison officers are undergoing treatment. She warned that the death toll may rise further due to the severity of some injuries.

Sri Lanka Police spokesperson Chandana Herath confirmed the incident but did not immediately provide details on what triggered the violence.

Videos circulating in local media show heavy police deployment outside the prison, with injured inmates being rushed to hospitals in police buses. Some injured prisoners were seen lying on the floors inside the vehicles.

Security has been tightened across the prison area, with additional law enforcement deployed. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the deadly clash.

The exact circumstances behind the outbreak of violence inside the prison remain unclear, and officials say further details will be released after the investigation.