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She ordered that the testimony not be published in any media and that it be kept securely to avoid serious risks to national security.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 Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (23) informed the court that 969 individuals have been questioned in connection with the Negombo Prison riot, while the aliases of 40 suspects have been identified.

According to state owned newspaper Dinamina, the court formally confirmed that the incident constitutes a crime.

Investigators also submitted 28 post‑mortem reports, with findings revealing that 17 of the victims died from gunshot injuries. 

Ten prison officers and 21 inmates were killed in the clashes that erupted inside Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6. (Newswire)

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has raised serious concerns over violations of its statutory authority and the treatment of inmates at Welikada and Negombo Prisons, following a meeting with prison officials earlier this month.

The Commission reported that on July 7, its staff were denied entry to Welikada Prison, despite the HRCSL Act No. 21 of 1996 granting the Commission unrestricted access to places of detention without prior notice. 

At a meeting chaired by Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya on July 14, prison officials explained that tensions among inmates and officers had created security concerns, but expressed regret for the lapse in communication.

Commissioners, however, noted that the explanation was unsatisfactory and stressed that failure to communicate breakdowns in prison security was unacceptable.

During subsequent visits, HRCSL officers received complaints from inmates transferred from Negombo Prison alleging reprisals, including torture, denial of medical treatment, and other forms of ill‑treatment. Some inmates were reportedly reluctant to seek medical care for fear of assault when separated from the general prison population.

The Commission also highlighted delays in processing inmate transfers, leaving families unaware of their relatives’ whereabouts. 

It warned that prolonged failure to disclose the location of detainees could amount to an offence under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance Act, No. 5 of 2018.

In addition, HRCSL found that some inmates due for release after completing their sentences remained unlawfully detained.

The Commission announced that it will continue investigations into allegations of torture, ill‑treatment, and deaths in custody linked to violence at Negombo Prison and subsequent events. 

It directed Welikada officials to fully cooperate and issued a series of recommendations, including:

• Immediate circular reminding prison officers of the Commission’s statutory authority to inspect detention facilities without notice.
• Strict orders prohibiting reprisals against inmates transferred from Negombo Prison, with disciplinary action against violators.
• Disclosure of whereabouts of all transferred inmates to their next‑of‑kin.
• Timely release of inmates who have completed their prison sentences.

HRCSL underscored that these measures are essential to uphold human rights standards and restore accountability within the prison system. (Newswire)

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The Democratic United Opposition has called for complete transparency and accountability in investigating the Negombo Prison riot of July 5–6, which left 33 people dead, including 23 inmates and 10 prison officials.

In a special statement issued today (03), the group described the incident as one of the most terrifying in Sri Lanka’s prison history, saying the sequence of events had “shaken the conscience of the entire nation.” 

While welcoming the appointment of an inquiry committee chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge, the group stressed that impartiality and honesty were essential.

The statement highlighted several concerns:

• Failure to separate prisoners and officials after initial clashes on July 5, despite the situation being under control by evening.
• Provocative actions on July 6 morning, when prison officials were sent among inmates during breakfast, sparking further violence and “inhumane killings.”
• Use of automatic gunfire by a prison guard, which the group said must be examined for justification.
• Police and STF inaction, with a Deputy Inspector General confirming officers received no instructions to intervene despite being stationed outside.
• Negligence in prisoner transfers to Welikada, Angunakolapelessa, and Boossa, where inmates were allegedly assaulted, with further deaths reported during transport and custody.

The Democratic United Opposition noted that prisoner deaths under state custody violate Article 11 of the Constitution and international conventions including the ICCPR and the Nelson Mandela Rules.

It criticized the Justice Minister’s absence during the crisis and condemned the denial of entry to Human Rights Commission officials at Welikada Prison, calling it a violation of the Human Rights Commission Act.

The Opposition also blamed administrative failures, pointing to the lack of a permanent Commissioner General of Prisons for over a year and the Ministry’s refusal to reinstate suspended official Thushara Upuldeniya despite a binding Human Rights Commission order.

The statement underscored wider systemic issues, including severe overcrowding, with prisons holding nearly four times their capacity and three‑quarters of inmates unconvicted, and staff shortages that leave prison officers under extreme pressure.

“In this grave tragedy, full transparency and honesty are essential. We stand firmly against any attempt to conceal or suppress the truth,” the group added. (Newswire)

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The Department of Prisons says court proceedings for inmates transferred from the Negombo Prison to other facilities will be conducted online through Zoom, as required by the courts.

Prison Media Spokesman and Commissioner A. C. Gajanayake said requests have been made to the relevant courts to arrange hearings online, and the department expects to act according to the orders received.

The move comes in the wake of the recent clash at Negombo Prison, where fighting between two groups of inmates left 29 people dead, including prison officers, and injured over 100 others.

Following the violence, a number of inmates were transferred to other prisons, creating logistical challenges in producing them before courts for their cases.

Officials said around 600 inmates still remain at Negombo Prison, and they too are scheduled to be relocated to other facilities soon. (Newswire)

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Prison Commissioner and Media Spokesman A. C. Gajanayake says the compensation amount to be given to the families of prison officers who died in the Negombo Prison clash could exceed Rs. 2 million, it was reported. 

According to the state newspaper Dinamina, he said that while a final conclusion on the total compensation has not yet been reached, with government intervention an initial payment of Rs. 500,000 has already been made. 

This, he said, is only a preliminary installment of the full compensation to be provided.

The Department of Prisons has borne all expenses related to the funerals of the deceased officers and is also reviewing compensation for those injured in the incident. Seven officers remain hospitalized and continue to receive treatment.

Prison officers have stressed that families of colleagues who lost their lives while on duty must receive adequate compensation. 

They pointed out that following the 2012 Welikada Prison clash, Rs. 2 million was granted for a deceased inmate and Rs. 500,000 for an injured inmate.

Prison sources stressed that since the Negombo clash occurred 14 years after Welikada, maximum fairness should be ensured for the officers who died. 

Trade unions and other organizations are preparing to submit written requests to the President, the Minister of Justice, and other relevant authorities in the coming days. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Justice has announced that following the emergency situation at Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6, 2026, the premises have been severely damaged and designated a crime scene, making it unsuitable to house inmates.

Issuing a statement, the ministry said that to facilitate investigations, ensure inmate safety, and begin rehabilitation work at the facility once inquiries are complete, the majority of prisoners have been temporarily transferred to other prison facilities.

The ministry further noted that overcrowding in existing prisons and concerns for inmate welfare have created the need to accommodate some prisoners in additional suitable premises.

Accordingly, until rehabilitation of Negombo Prison is completed, regulations have been issued to temporarily establish the Mahara and Old Bogambara premises as prisons under the functions of the Prisons Ordinance, the ministry added. (Newswire)

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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has launched an investigation into the violence at Negombo Prison and subsequent incidents reported at other prison facilities, issuing directives to the Commissioner General of Prisons to ensure accountability and inmate protection.

In a letter copied to the President, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Commission noted that the Negombo violence had reportedly resulted in the deaths of 21 inmates and six prison officials. It also referred to its visit to the National Hospital, where several injured inmates were receiving treatment, and telephone communications with prison authorities regarding the welfare of both inmates and officials.

The HRCSL said it was informed that several inmates had been transferred to prisons in Angunakolapelessa, Boosa, Batticaloa, Dumbara, Jaffna, and Welikada for separation and protection. However, on the evening of 7 July 2026, the Commission received reports that transferred inmates had been subjected to torture and ill‑treatment, and that one inmate had died in the custody of Welikada prison officials.

A Rapid Response Unit team dispatched to Welikada Prison at around 8.30 pm was denied entry by the Chief Jailer, who claimed access could not be granted after hours. The Commission expressed deep concern, stressing that under sections 11(d) and 28(2) of the HRCSL Act of 1996, it is legally empowered to enter prisons at any time to inspect detention conditions.

The HRCSL has directed the Commissioner General to:

• Grant unimpeded access to HRCSL staff at all prison facilities.
• Prevent reprisals, including torture or ill‑treatment, against inmates, especially those transferred from Negombo.
• Preserve all evidence related to inmate treatment and refrain from tampering.
• Conduct impartial investigations into allegations of torture at Angunakolapelessa, Boosa, Batticaloa, Dumbara, Jaffna, and Welikada, and take disciplinary action against responsible officials.
• Fully cooperate with the HRCSL’s ongoing investigation.

The Commission underscored that safeguarding prisoners’ rights and ensuring accountability within the prison system are paramount. (Newswire)

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An Indian national inmate has died during the recent tense situation at the Negombo Prison, the Police confirmed.

The Police Media Division said the deceased is a 73‑year‑old Indian national, adding that reporting of his death was delayed as time was required to confirm his identity.

Police noted that the circumstances surrounding his death are yet to be ascertained, with a post‑mortem examination currently underway.

They further revealed that the inmate had been in custody since 2025 on charges of bringing into Sri Lanka 1.908 kilograms of Kush narcotics by air and possessing the substance.

Investigations into the unrest and the inmate’s death are continuing. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman has questioned the government over a statement made by a prison official, claiming that the Negombo Prison unrest could have been prevented if orders had been issued on time.

Addressing Parliament today, Rahman highlighted the official’s remark: “It could have been nipped in the bud. Only if we had been given orders to stop the incident. Prisoners are also human.”

Rahman said an incident that could have been easily prevented eventually escalated into a clash before being halted.

“Why were decisions not taken to nip it in the bud? Who failed to take decisions and issue orders? This incident occurred due to the failure to act,” he said.

The Opposition MP further pointed out that similar incidents have occurred in other prisons in Sri Lanka, stressing this was not the first.

“Your national policy has two pages on prison overcrowding and solutions to this issue. The Justice Minister has been aware of this problem since 2024. Why were necessary measures not taken? That is why this issue has now arisen,” Rahman said.

He emphasized that the prison official’s statement confirms the incident could have been prevented, questioning why authorities failed to act.

Revealing that a group of foreign inmates had been moved to different prisons following the first clash on Sunday, Rahman asked why unruly inmates involved in the incident were not also transferred to prevent escalation. (Newswire)

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The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has raised concern over the violent incidents at Negombo Prison between July 5 and 7, which left 27 dead, including seven prison officers, and more than 100 injured. 

In a strongly worded statement issued today (08), the BASL condemned all acts of violence within detention facilities, warning that such incidents undermine the Rule of Law, erode public confidence in justice, and endanger both inmates and prison staff.

Highlighting reports of unrest in other prisons and difficulties faced by statutory oversight bodies, the BASL urged authorities to take immediate measures to safeguard lives and ensure detention facilities are managed with dignity and legality. 

The Association welcomed the Government’s decision to appoint an independent committee led by a retired Supreme Court Judge but stressed that public confidence hinges on the inquiry being independent, impartial, transparent, and swift.

The BASL emphasized that accountability must extend to all parties, whether prisoners, prison officers, or officials, found guilty of misconduct, while victims and families must receive medical care and support.

It further underscored that the tragedy reflects deeper structural deficiencies in Sri Lanka’s prison system, including chronic overcrowding, delays in criminal trials, and inadequate resources for prison officers.

Calling the incident a catalyst for reform, the BASL urged authorities to implement lasting changes such as reviewing remand practices, expanding non‑custodial sentencing, strengthening rehabilitation programs, and modernizing prison management. (Newswire)

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Prison officials have raised concerns with Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara over misleading information being circulated about the officer who opened fire during the recent Negombo Prison unrest. 

They told the Minister that the officer’s actions were crucial in containing the situation. 

“We were rescued from a serious crisis because of that officer. We wear this uniform as a separate unit. What are these stories being spread outside?” they questioned. 

The officials further noted that if prisoners had broken out, it would have led to a serious disaster affecting the public. 

Calling the officer a hero, they urged the Minister to protect him.

In response, Justice Minister Nanayakkara assured that justice would be ensured in the matter. (Newswire)

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The Opposition staged a protest in Parliament today, wearing black bands over the recent Negombo Prison unrest. 

They demanded that the government take responsibility for the 27 deaths reported in the clashes. 

Twenty‑seven individuals, including prison officials and inmates, were killed during the unrest at Negombo Prison on July 6. (Newswire)

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The bodies of the seven prison officers killed in the recent Negombo Prison clash were brought this morning (08) to the Welikada Prison in a vehicle procession.

Final respects are being paid to the officers at Welikada before the remains are handed over to their families.

The officers lost their lives during violent clashes inside Negombo Prison on the morning of July 6, which left multiple casualties. (Newswire)

Prison officials are paying their final respects to the seven officers who lost their lives in the Negombo Prison violence at a ceremony held at Welikada Prison in Colombo. pic.twitter.com/7yN4hjajtu

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) July 8, 2026

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The Commissioner General of Prisons has stated that no prior intelligence was received regarding the recent unrest at Negombo Prison, adding that officers had been deployed to prevent inmate disturbances and managed to reduce the scale of damage.

Speaking at the post- Cabinet media briefing today (07), he explained that by Sunday evening (05) the situation had been contained, inmates returned to their cells, and food provided. 

However, on the following morning (06), a court day, inmates were found to have consumed drugs, leading to intoxication and clashes. 

He noted that officers risked their lives to control the situation, despite inmates being in a deranged state due to drug use, with even female inmates affected.

Also addressing the media briefing, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed that several investigations are already underway into the incident. 

He said a three‑member committee comprising a retired Supreme Court judge, an officer from the Attorney General’s Department, and a senior lawyer has been appointed. 

In addition, probes are being conducted separately by Negombo Police, the Colombo Crime Investigation Division, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the Prisons Department itself.

“The full truth of the incident will be revealed once all reports are submitted,” the Minister said, underscoring the government’s commitment to accountability in the aftermath of the violence. (Newswire)

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The Department of Prisons Sri Lanka has paid solemn tribute to seven officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the recent unrest at the Negombo Prison.

In a statement, the department described them as “heroes who sacrificed their lives in duty.

The department further extended its deepest condolences on behalf of the Commissioner General of Prisons and the entire staff.

The officers remembered are:

• Sergeant R.P.R. Sanjeewa
• Sergeant B.N.N. Tharanga
• Sergeant T.N.R. Thilakasiri
• Jailer S.H.G. Chandrawansha
• Sergeant D.W. Pushpakumara
• Sergeant S.D.S. Aebywardena
• Sergeant A.D. Tharanga

The officers were killed during the unrest that occurred at the Negombo Prison on Monday (06). (Newswire)

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The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners has called on authorities to immediately halt alleged assaults and torture of inmates transferred from Negombo Prison following recent unrest.

In a media release issued today (07), the Committee said it had received credible information that prisoners moved to other facilities, including Welikada Prison, were being subjected to severe beatings and mistreatment by prison officers.

The statement expressed strong displeasure over such acts, stressing that violence against detainees violates fundamental rights and must be stopped without delay. 

The Committee urged all responsible officials to ensure the protection of prisoners and uphold human rights standards in the handling of those transferred.

Around 734 inmates were moved to other prisons for safety reasons following the unrest at the Negombo Prison, according to Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, who briefed the Parliament on the incident. (Newswire)

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Several opposition politicians on Monday called for an independent and transparent investigation into the Negombo Prison violence, demanding accountability from both political leaders and senior officials while warning of international repercussions over the incident.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, former Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris described the incident as a grave violation of Sri Lankan and international law, saying it breached constitutional protections and several international human rights conventions to which Sri Lanka is a party.

Peiris questioned who ordered the deployment of prison intelligence officers from Colombo to Negombo after the situation had reportedly begun to stabilize and who authorised the use of live ammunition, noting that some victims had sustained gunshot injuries.

He said Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara should resign from the entire Justice Ministry after accepting responsibility for the incident, arguing that accepting responsibility without stepping down had no meaning.

Peiris also questioned why the Negombo Prison had reportedly operated for more than a year without a permanent Commissioner General of Prisons and accused senior ministry officials of failing to implement recommendations made by the Human Rights Commission regarding the appointment.

He further alleged that the government’s focus had shifted away from pressing issues such as prison management and public safety towards efforts to amend the Constitution to extend the retirement age of senior judges.

UNP General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala also called for accountability, saying responsibility extended beyond the Justice Minister and that the government could not justify the deaths by citing prison overcrowding or dengue-related issues. She said authorities had failed to properly monitor prison conditions despite repeated warning signs.

Former Governor Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon said the prison crisis had been aggravated by the increasing use of remand detention, claiming that bail was being opposed in a growing number of cases and that remanding suspects had effectively become a form of punishment. He argued that the sharp rise in the remand prison population had contributed significantly to overcrowding.

The opposition representatives said they intend to raise the Negombo Prison incident with foreign missions, international legal bodies and the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, arguing that the matter requires international attention while calling for the full facts behind the violence to be made public. (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara says that construction is underway to increase the space in Sri Lankan prisons. 

Addressing the Parliament today (07), the Justice Minister said that steps are being taken to increase existing space to around 10,000 to address prison overcrowding.

He further said that a committee has been appointed to look into the House Arrest Act, to enable remand prisoners to be kept under house arrest with electronic monitoring equipment, instead of being sent to prison. 

“Recruitment is also underway for the Prisons Department. But this state service is no longer attractive. People from good schools are  not applying to  the prisons anymore, as it’s not attractive. Job requests have decreased drastically,” he said. 

Stating that the government has taken measures to address issues related to prisons, Minister Nanayakkara said that it will take time for the outcome. 

His remarks come after the recent unrest at the Negombo prison.

Briefing the Parliament today (07), Minister Nanayakkara said seven prison officers and 19 inmates have been reported dead in the clashes, while 23 officers and 54 inmates were injured and are hospitalized.

He further said that multiple investigations are underway into the deadly Negombo Prison unrest.

The Justice Minister said that the Cabinet has appointed a committee to conduct investigations into the incident, while the Prisons Department has filed a complaint with the Police and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is conducting a probe. A separate investigation is also being conducted by the Prisons Department, he said. 

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Police has also announced that investigations into the incident at Negombo Prison have been entrusted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD). 

The Police said that the investigations have been handed over following directives issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). (Newswire)

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