BREAKING: Drug Gangs Clash In Sri Lanka Prison, Leaving Dozens Dead

COLOMBO (News 1st); The death toll from the violent unrest at the Negombo Prison has risen to 21, according to authorities.Director of the Negombo Hospital, Dr. Pushpa Gamlathge, said the deceased include both prison officers and inmates.Nearly 100 people have sustained injuries as a result of the clashes and subsequent unrest inside the prison.Security authorities stated that the situation is now under control following a major operation involving multiple law enforcement and security agencies.The latest developments come after two inmates were killed and 38 others injured during unrest that erupted at the Negombo Prison yesterday.Although authorities managed to bring the situation under control by last night, fresh unrest broke out again this (6) morning, further intensifying the crisis.To restore order and ensure security within the prison premises, the Police Special Task Force (STF) and riot control units have been deployed. Police confirmed that additional police teams have also been assigned to support the ongoing security operation.Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Air Force stated that a Bell 412 helicopter and drones have been deployed to monitor conditions inside the prison and assist security personnel on the ground.Following yesterday's clashes, three inmates were transferred to the Pallansena Prison Camp this morning as part of measures aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further disturbances.Prisons Department Media Spokesman A.C. Gajanayake said a special investigation has been launched into the incident.According to him, a dedicated team has been appointed on the instructions of the Commissioner General of Prisons to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the violence and its causes.A separate police investigation is also underway.Meanwhile, Minister of Justice, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, has called for a report on the clashes involving inmates at the Negombo Prison.A magisterial inquiry into the incident was conducted last night as authorities continued collecting evidence and recording statements.Preliminary investigations have revealed that the violence is believed to have erupted between a group allegedly supporting drug trafficking activities within the prison and another group opposed to such activities.