Eight (08) suspects have been identified in connection with the abduction, assault, and murder of a Chinese national following the recent clash at Colombo Port City, the Police said. 

According to the Police Spokesman, ASP F.U. Wootler, three of the suspects fled the country soon after the incident, while three others remain in Sri Lanka and are evading arrest. Overseas travel bans have been imposed against them. 

Two suspects were arrested at the Katunayake Airport, and legal proceedings have already been initiated. The case has been fixed for August 6, during which an identification parade will be held.

ASP Wootler further noted that the investigation has been assisted by the Chinese Embassy and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). 

He urged the public to remain vigilant when renting houses, hotels, or commercial properties to foreign nationals and to inform their local police stations of any suspicious activity.

ASP Wootler disclosed the information to the media in connection with the incident where the body of a Chinese national reported missing after a clash between two groups at Colombo Port City was discovered in Eheliyagoda on July 23.

The deceased had been abducted along with two others; however, the other two were abandoned with injuries and admitted to hospital. (Newswire)

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The Chief Jailor of Negombo Prison, Wickrama Jayantha Kumara, yesterday (30) appeared before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court and gave two hours of testimony regarding the deadly prison clash in which 10 officers and 22 inmates were killed.

Testimony was recorded before Magistrate Shilani Perera, beginning at 1.00 pm and continuing until 3.00 pm.

Following the proceedings, the Magistrate ruled that the evidence contained information highly sensitive to national security. 

She ordered that the testimony not be published in any media and that it be kept securely to avoid serious risks to national security.

During the hearing, a detailed report was presented to the court concerning 89 prison police officers who had been deployed from Welikada to Negombo Prison at the time of the incident. 

Prison officials also submitted reports on individuals currently receiving treatment at Colombo National Hospital and Negombo Hospital. (Newswire)

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Four inmates have been named as suspects in connection with the Negombo Prison clashes that left 32 people dead earlier this month. 

They were produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday (27) and ordered to be remanded until August 7 by Chief Magistrate Shilani Perera.

The clashes on July 5 and 6 between two groups of inmates resulted in the deaths of 10 prison officers and 22 inmates, while more than 100 others were injured. 

According to the state newspaper Dinamina, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) identified the suspects as Supun Madhusankha alias Heenatiyana Supun, Ashan Fernando alias Kalu Malli, Sameera Sampath alias Baba, and Shane Dilan Silva.

CID officials told court that the suspects were identified by fellow inmates and requested that they be presented for an identification parade. 

They also revealed that on the day of the incident, Special Task Force officers carried 301 firearms, while prison officers had 70. Statements have been recorded from 1,395 individuals, including prison staff, inmates, STF officers, police, and civilians.

During proceedings, President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, appearing on behalf of the Citizens’ Organization of the People’s Struggle and the family of deceased inmate Mohamed Nizam, argued that most inmate deaths were caused by gunfire and called for accountability from those who ordered the shooting. He highlighted the plight of Nizam’s family, including seven children, one of them just two months old.

CID officers responded that all seized firearms and ammunition had been sent to the Government Analyst on July 14, and that over a thousand statements had been taken as part of a thorough investigation. So far, 28 witnesses have testified before court.

The Magistrate ordered the Negombo Prison Superintendent to appear today (28) to present details on medical examinations of inmates. The four suspects were also directed to be presented for an identification parade before being remanded until August 7. (Newswire)

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The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka says it is closely following the incident involving the death of a Chinese national following a clash between two groups at the Colombo Port City last night. 

The Chinese Embassy has urged the Sri Lankan police to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the facts as soon as possible and safeguard the personal safety and lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens. 

The Embassy further reminded Chinese citizens in Sri Lanka to enhance their safety awareness, and in case of emergency, report to the police promptly and contact the Embassy for assistance.

The message comes after the body of a Chinese national reported missing after a clash between two groups at the Colombo Port City, was found in Eheliyagoda today. 

The Chinese national was abducted alongside two other individuals, but the other two were abandoned with injuries and admitted to hospital, while he was reported missing. 

The Police have launched investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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The body of the Chinese national, who was reported to have been abducted following a clash at the Colombo Port City, has been recovered in Eheliyagoda. 

According to the Police, a clash had occurred between two groups last night during which three Chinese nationals were abducted. 

However, two of the abducted individuals were abandoned with injuries and admitted to hospital, while one individual was reported missing.

The missing Chinese national’s body has been recovered in the Karandana area in Eheliyagoda today (23). 

The Police said the body has been moved to the Avissawella Hospital, while investigations are underway into the incident. (Newswire) 

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Two Chinese nationals are reported injured following a clash between two groups at the Colombo Port City on Wednesday night (22).

According to the Police, the clash had occurred between two groups of Chinese nationals.

During the clash, three Chinese nationals had been abducted after which two had been abandoned, while the other remains missing.

The two abandoned Chinese nationals, who were found to be injured have been admitted to a private hospital in Colombo. 

The cause for the clash is yet to be ascertained, while the Police have launched investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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A conflict broke out between Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan and Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar during the Kilinochchi district coordination committee meeting held today (16).

Video footage shows the MP and Minister engaging in a verbal argument, after which a confrontation breaks out when the Minister attempts to take the files in the possession of MP Archchuna.

“If you lay a hand on me, I’ll lay a hand on you too… got it?” MP Archchuna warns Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar soon after. 

Police and officials present at the meeting, thereafter, intervene, preventing a further escalation of the situation. (Newswire)

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The death toll in the unrest that erupted at the Negombo Prison this morning has risen to 19, it was reported.

According to latest reports on the incident, the deceased include four prison officials and four inmates. 

It is further reported that more than 60 people are injured, mostly prison and security officials. 

Prison officials, along with Police and Special Task Force personnel have reportedly completely contained the situation. 

Fresh unrest broke out at the prison today following a confrontation between inmates and prison officials. 

The latest incident comes on the back of a tense situation that was reported at the prison yesterday following a clash between two groups of inmates. 

With today’s fatalities, the toll from the two days of violence has risen to over 19 dead and over 60 injured. (Newswire)

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Three people, including two prison security officers and one inmate, have been reportedly killed in fresh clashes inside the Negombo Prison today (06). 

It is reported that around 35 others, mostly prison officials, were injured and have been admitted to Negombo Hospital.

Police had fired several gunshots to bring the situation under control. 

The unrest erupted this morning, despite authorities having restored order following yesterday’s violent confrontation between remand and convicted prisoners.

Yesterday’s clash left two inmates dead and 38 injured, who remain under treatment. 

Police and Special Task Force officers have been deployed to contain the latest unrest. (Newswire)

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Police have opened fire to control the clash between inmates and prison officers in the Negombo Prison today, it was reported. 

According to reports, fresh unrest had broken out at the prison this morning, with several persons, including Prison officials and inmates, injured. 

Reports state that in the latest incident, around 25 persons had been injured and are currently admitted to Negombo Hospital.

The Police state that the Police and Special Task Force officers have been deployed to contain the situation.

Fresh unrest broke out today after a tense situation between two groups of prisoners that broke out last afternoon had been contained by this morning. 

The clash that broke out yesterday between remanded and convicted prisoners had resulted in the deaths of two inmates and injuries to 38 others. (Newswire)

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A tense situation has arisen once again in the Negombo Prison today (06), it is reported. 

Several prison officers have been reportedly injured following the renewed unrest inside the prison.

Video footage shows the Police and Special Task Force (STF) attempting to contain the situation. 

The renewed unrest comes on the back of a clash that occurred between two groups at the prison yesterday (05).

The clash had broken out between remand and convicted prisoners, resulting in the death of 02 inmates and injuries to 38 prisoners. 

Although the situation had been brought under control by this morning, fresh disturbances were reported later in the day. (Newswire)

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The Prisons Commissioner General has appointed a committee to investigate the clash between two groups of inmates at Negombo Prison, Commissioner and Media Spokesman A.C. Gajanayake said.

The incident occurred around 1.00 pm yesterday (05), when remand prisoners and convicted inmates engaged in a violent confrontation. 

Police confirmed that two inmates were killed, while 34 others sustained injuries and were admitted to Negombo District Hospital. Two of the seriously injured were later transferred to Colombo National Hospital.

Following the clash, a group of inmates climbed onto a prison roof in protest, during which four fell and were hospitalized. 

Prison officials, police, the Special Task Force, and the Army were deployed to restore order and tighten security around the facility.

Gajanayake said 36 inmates in total were hospitalized, with three transferred to Pallansena camp for treatment. 

He stressed that the clash was confined to inmates, with no involvement of prison officials, and urged relatives not to panic. 

He added that the situation inside the prison has since been brought under control with the cooperation of inmates, who have also submitted several demands to the Commissioner General for consideration. (Newswire)

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The Kadawatha Police have arrested the main suspect in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 54‑year‑old man during a birthday party clash in Ihala Biyanwila during the weekend.

Police said the victim, a resident of Kadawatha, had attended his brother’s birthday celebration when a heated argument escalated into violence.

Two individuals allegedly attacked partygoers with sharp weapons, leaving the victim fatally injured and two others seriously wounded. 

The injured were admitted to Ragama Teaching Hospital during which the victim had succumbed to injuries.

Investigations revealed that the dispute during the party led to the brutal assault. 

While the main suspect has been taken into custody, police confirmed that the second suspect fled the scene and is being pursued. (Newswire)

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Police have arrested three suspects, including a Municipal Councillor, following an assault at the Anuradhapura Poson festival grounds on Wednesday (01).

According to the Police, the arrests were made by the Anuradhapura Police Station on the same night after three individuals were attacked at the car park. 

The suspects are residents of Pubudu Pura, Wanniyan Kulama, and Labiyawa Naratha Mawatha in Anuradhapura.

Police said the clash stemmed from a dispute over vehicle parking. 

Two of the injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the Anuradhapura Hospital.

The Anuradhapura Police are conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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Police have arrested 11 suspects following a clash between groups from Talawakelle and Norton areas during a wedding ceremony at the Kotagala town hall on Wednesday (17).

According to the Police, Officers from the Dimbulapitiya Police, assisted by personnel from surrounding stations and local residents, moved in to control the situation and took the suspects into custody.

The group was produced before the Hatton Magistrate’s Court yesterday (18), where the Magistrate ordered all 11 to be remanded until June 22.

Police confirmed that no damage to property or loss of life was reported from the incident. Further investigations are being carried out by the Dimbulapitiya Police. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has launched a special investigation into a tense situation that arose between Air Force personnel and Police officers during a bomb disposal exercise at the Kalpitiya firing range on June 17, 2026.

The Air Force Commander has appointed a special investigation board to conduct an inquiry and submit a report on the incident, which unfolded when three individuals entered the restricted security zone of the firing range without prior permission or notification.

According to the SLAF, seven Air Force members on duty and one Police Special Task Force (STF) officer questioned the three civilians about their identity. 

It was later confirmed that one of them was a Police officer, accompanied by two civilians. During the questioning, a tense exchange developed between the two sides.

In a statement, the SLAF noted that the firing range had been designated a restricted security zone during the exercise, with responsibility for the safety of all persons in the area resting with the Air Force. 

Necessary security measures were followed to ensure personal safety and prevent risks, the SLAF said.

The appointed investigation board is expected to review the circumstances and provide a detailed report on the incident. (Newswire)

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The Kadugannawa Police have arrested two youths, aged 20 and 25, on Wednesday (10) following a violent clash with a bus driver in Mawanella that led to a motorcycle being dragged under a bus.

According to the Police, the incident, video of which was widely circulated on social media, initially appeared to show a bus running over a motorcycle.

However, Police investigations revealed that the motorcyclist and pillion rider had chased the bus after an argument with the driver, blocked it near Henawala Hospital, stopped their motorcycle, boarded the bus and assaulted the driver.

As the driver attempted to move the bus forward in distress, the motorcycle was pulled under the vehicle, resulting in the accident. Around 60 passengers were inside the bus at the time.

Police recorded statements from the assaulted driver and referred him for medical treatment. 

The two suspects, residents of Ambepussa and Mahawela, were taken into custody and subjected to drug testing at the Kandy National Hospital, after which they are scheduled to appear before the court. (Newswire)

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Four suspects have been arrested after assaulting Bakkiella Police officers who raided an illegal gambling den and liquor trafficking operation in the 16th Wanguwa area in Ampara on Tuesday (14).

According to the Police, the raid was carried out following a tip‑off received by the 119 information centre. 

When officers arrived, several individuals fled, while others obstructed the police from performing their duties and turned violent.

The Officer‑in‑Charge of Bakkiella Police, along with a team, arrived at the scene to control the situation. During the confrontation, one police sergeant sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Ampara General Hospital.

Four suspects, aged between 24 and 52 and residents of Rajagalathenna, were taken into custody. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend around ten more individuals linked to the incident.

Meanwhile, allegations surfaced that officers involved in the raid were intoxicated. 

The Police said, however, that all participating officers were presented to the judicial medical officer, and medical reports confirmed that none had consumed alcohol at the time.

The Bakkiella Police Station is continuing further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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Police say investigations are underway into the conduct of a Constable attached to the Sooriyakanda Police Station, following reports of an incident involving National People’s Power (NPP) MP Shantha Pathma Kumara. 

According to a Police statement, the Constable was admitted to the hospital after the alleged clash, and medical records noted the smell of alcohol in his breath. 

While urine samples showed no traces of narcotics, blood samples have been sent to the Government Analyst’s Department to determine alcohol use.

According to the Police, the Constable had earlier lodged a complaint claiming he was assaulted near Kalugala Temple on December 20 by the MP and his group, who allegedly took his motorcycle. 

Later that night, MP Shantha Pathma Kumara himself filed a complaint stating the Constable obstructed his cab with a motorcycle and attempted to assault him.

Police confirmed the Constable’s motorcycle was recovered near Kalugala Temple and taken into custody. 

The Embilipitiya Divisional Crime Investigation Unit is conducting further inquiries. (Newswire)

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Two brothers were killed in a clash between two groups in the Ethkandura area in Baddegama last night.

According to the Police, the brothers had been stabbed with sharp weapons during the clash.

The deceased, aged 33 and 36 years old, are residents of Maddevila in Ethkandura, Baddegama. 

Three other persons who had sustained injuries in the incident have been admitted to the Galle and Elpitiya Hospitals. 

The Baddegama Police has launched a probe to apprehend the suspects wanted in connection to the incident. (Newswire)

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