Autopsies Expose Savage Torture Before Death In Sri Lanka Prison Bloodbath

COLOMBO (News 1st); Post-mortem examinations conducted on prison officers who were killed during the violent unrest at Negombo Prison have revealed that they were murdered in an exceptionally brutal manner, according to findings from the ongoing investigation.A five-member team of Judicial Medical Officers carried out the post-mortem examinations at the Negombo Hospital, uncovering evidence of severe violence inflicted on the victims.Investigators have determined that the clash began when a group allegedly led by Suresh Pushpakumara, widely known as “Katuwellegama Suresh,” who is alleged to be linked to narcotics trafficking and organized criminal activity, attacked another group of inmates inside the prison.Preliminary investigations indicate that the assault was carried out against inmates accused of providing information to prison authorities regarding illicit activities occurring within the facility.Among the first victims of the violence was inmate Ganegoda Arachchilage Gayan Sampath, who died after being assaulted during the initial stages of the confrontation.The 31-year-old was a resident of Ashokapura, Naththandiya. He had been remanded in custody approximately three and a half months ago on drug-related allegations. His elder brother is also currently being held at the Negombo Prison.Relatives said that following his imprisonment, Gayan had allegedly provided information to prison authorities regarding contraband items and narcotics that were being illegally smuggled into the prison.Speaking about her son's death, his mother claimed that he had been subjected to extreme violence.“He suffered a massive blow to the head. His arms and legs had been broken. He was tortured mercilessly and assaulted with iron rods. Around 15 individuals attacked him so brutally that he could not even lift his head. I was informed that about 15 people were involved in the assault,” she said.Describing the aftermath, she said that when she arrived seeking information about her son, she was initially unable to obtain any details regarding his condition. She later spoke with a senior police officer who assured her that justice would be served.“He told me that my son had worked as a leader among 58 inmates and had assisted the authorities significantly. According to what I was told, that assistance is what ultimately led to this attack. Those inside the prison allegedly accused him of revealing information about prohibited items such as mobile phones and lighters being circulated within the facility. Because they believed he was exposing illegal activities, he was targeted and beaten. I was informed that 15 suspects had been identified and taken into custody, and that legal action would be taken. They assured me that justice would be delivered,” she said.Meanwhile, prison authorities have decided that it is inappropriate to continue housing inmates within the Negombo Prison premises as the facility is now considered an active crime scene.In a statement, the Ministry of Justice and National Integration said that the prison complex had suffered extensive damage following the violent incident.Investigations into the deadly violence, the alleged organized crime links within the prison network, and the circumstances surrounding the killings are continuing as authorities seek to uncover the full extent of one of the most serious prison disturbances reported in recent years.