Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has blamed the government for the deadly violence at Negombo Prison, saying it must accept full responsibility for the incident that has claimed at least 25 lives.
Issuing a special statement on Monday, Premadasa said the loss of life and injuries resulted from the collapse and inefficiency of the prison administration.
He recalled that the current President had previously stated, while serving in the opposition, that the government should be held responsible if deaths occurred inside prisons, and said the same principle should apply to the present administration.
Premadasa further claimed that the government’s promised “system change” had failed, arguing that the Negombo Prison incident highlighted shortcomings in governance, law and order, and prison management.
He questioned whether the government was capable of maintaining law and order and ensuring a humane prison administration, adding that the public deserved answers.
The Opposition Leader also called for an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident, saying it should not be conducted by a committee appointed to produce a report favourable to the government.
He further urged the government to set aside what he described as arrogance and focus on addressing the country’s pressing issues, including national security and prison management. (Newswire)