Violence at Negombo Prison resumed on Monday morning when a clash broke out between two groups of inmates during the distribution of breakfast, the Department of Prisons said.
Prisons Media Spokesperson AC Gajanayake said prison officers had managed to bring the situation under control on Sunday following an earlier confrontation.
However, when officers entered the prison to distribute breakfast on Monday morning, the two groups of inmates clashed again.
He said prison officers attempted to intervene and restore order, but were assaulted by inmates.
According to the spokesperson, the inmates then pursued the officers towards the prison’s main gate, continued attacking them, and attempted to break through the entrance.
Prison officers stationed at the gate tried to prevent the inmates from damaging the entrance and remove them from the area, but were again attacked by a large group of prisoners.
Dissanayake said additional prison officers intervened and used the minimum force necessary to bring the situation under control.
Several prison officers were injured and admitted to hospital.
As of now, at least 25 people have been confirmed dead in the violence, while authorities continue to assess the full extent of the casualties. (Newswire)