The death toll from the massive organized clash that erupted this morning (06) at the Negombo Prison has tragically jumped to 25, police confirmed. Among the deceased are four prison officers and four inmates, with authorities currently working to identify the remaining victims.
The situation has now been brought fully under control after police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel entered the prison premises to quell the rioting. More than 50 others, including several prison officers, sustained injuries during the violence and are currently receiving treatment at the Negombo Hospital.
Hospital authorities reported that several of the deceased and the injured bore gunshot wounds. According to security sources, the unrest began as an organized attack launched by a group of inmates early this morning, forcing security personnel to open fire to contain the escalating violence.
This morning's deadly outbreak comes despite authorities having successfully managed to contain a separate wave of unrest within the prison by midnight yesterday (05). An extensive investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the severe escalation.
