Deadly Riot Erupts in Sri Lankan Prison

Jul 6, 2026

60 min

Jul 6, 2026 08:30

Sri Lanka prison riot kills 19, wounds more than 100

## Violent Clashes in Negombo Jail

A violent riot at Negombo prison in Sri Lanka has resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals, including four prison guards. Over 100 others have sustained injuries in what is described as the most severe prison disturbance in over five years.

## Details of the Incident

The unrest began on Sunday evening, involving rival drug gangs within the facility, which houses nearly 10,000 inmates. The injured were transported to a nearby hospital, where the director confirmed the admission of 19 bodies and over 100 wounded individuals, some with gunshot wounds.

## Response and Aftermath

Police commandos were called to the scene, although they did not enter the prison. Authorities used drones to monitor the situation as gunfire was reported by local residents. The riot escalated when guards attempted to intervene, resulting in fatalities among the prison staff.

## Historical Context

This incident follows a previous riot in December 2020, which led to the deaths of 11 inmates amid the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, overcrowding was a significant issue, with prisons holding four times their intended capacity. The current inmate population in Sri Lanka's prisons remains critically high, exacerbating tensions within the facilities.

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