The Criminal Investigation Department has identified four inmates as suspects in connection with violent clashes at Negombo Prison on July 5-6 that resulted in 32 deaths. The suspects have been remanded in custody pending further investigation.

Four inmates have been identified as suspects following the deadly clashes at Negombo Prison earlier this month, the Criminal Investigation Department announced during proceedings at Negombo Magistrate's Court. The suspects—Supun Madhusankha (alias Heenatiyana Supun), Ashan Fernando (alias Kalu Malli), Sameera Sampath (alias Baba), and Shane Dilan Silva—were produced before Chief Magistrate Shilani Perera on July 27 and ordered to remain in custody until August 7. Investigators indicated that fellow inmates identified the suspects and requested an identification parade be conducted.

The clashes on July 5 and 6 between rival inmate groups resulted in significant casualties, with 10 prison officers and 22 inmates killed, while more than 100 others sustained injuries. During the incident, Special Task Force officers carried 301 firearms while prison officers had 70. The investigation has progressed considerably, with law enforcement recording statements from 1,395 individuals including prison staff, inmates, security personnel, and civilians. Twenty-eight witnesses have testified in court, and all seized weapons and ammunition were submitted to the Government Analyst for forensic examination.

Contention has emerged regarding the circumstances of inmate deaths. President's Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, representing the Citizens' Organization of the People's Struggle and the family of deceased inmate Mohamed Nizam, argued that most inmate fatalities resulted from gunfire and called for accountability from those who authorized the shooting. CID officials confirmed the investigation's scope and thoroughness in response to these concerns.