BREAKING: Sri Lanka Deploys STF, Drones as Negombo Prison Death Toll Surges

COLOMBO (News 1st); The death toll from the violent unrest at the Negombo Prison has risen to 23, according to health authorities, as security forces continue efforts to maintain control following one of the deadliest prison disturbances in recent years.Director of the Negombo Hospital, Dr. Pushpa Gamlathge, said the fatalities include both prison officers and inmates.Close to 100 people have been injured in the clashes, with 15 individuals in critical condition transferred to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Colombo for advanced treatment.Security authorities stated that the situation has now been brought under control.The latest escalation follows unrest that erupted at the Negombo Prison yesterday, during which two inmates were killed and 38 others injured.Although the situation had been brought under control by last night, fresh violence broke out again this morning, resulting in a significant increase in casualties.The Police Special Task Force (STF) and riot control units have been deployed within and around the prison to restore order and ensure security. Police also confirmed that additional police teams have been assigned to support the operation.Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Air Force stated that a Bell 412 helicopter and drones are being used to monitor activities inside the prison and assist security operations.Following yesterday's clashes, three inmates were transferred to the Pallansena Prison Camp this morning as part of measures aimed at easing tensions within the facility.Prisons Department Media Spokesman A.C. Gajanayake said a special investigation has been launched into the incident.He noted that, on the instructions of the Commissioner General of Prisons, a dedicated team has been appointed to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the causes of the violence.A separate police investigation is also underway.Meanwhile, Minister of Justice, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, has called for a report on the incidents involving inmates at the Negombo Prison.A magisterial inquiry into the violence was conducted last night as investigations continued.Preliminary findings have indicated that the clashes are believed to have erupted between a group allegedly supporting drug trafficking activities within the prison and another group opposing those activities.Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha stated that the renewed unrest that erupted at the prison this morning has been successfully contained.He said a coordinated security operation involving the Police, Prison Department officials and the Police Special Task Force is currently being implemented to ensure security and maintain order within the prison complex.Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while investigations remain ongoing into the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation and subsequent escalation of violence.