Negombo Prison unrest brought under control; female inmates continue protest

Security forces have now brought the unrest at Negombo Prison under control.A large number of Police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel have been deployed to maintain security at the prison.However, female inmates continue to stage a protest, Prisons Media Spokesperson and Prisons Commissioner A.C. Gajanayake said.Prisons Commissioner and Media Spokesperson Gajanayake stated this speaking to the media after inspecting the prison last night (06).Meanwhile, 20 individuals who sustained serious injuries in the prison clashes have been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital for further treatment.Hospital sources said that several of the injured remain in critical condition.A further 58 individuals are currently receiving treatment at the Negombo General Hospital.The initial clash broke out on July 5 between a group of inmates allegedly involved in drug trafficking and another group opposing the drug trade within the prison.During that incident, inmates from both groups were injured. Two inmates were killed and 34 others sustained injuries.A renewed unrest broke out among inmates yesterday, as prison officers attempted to bring the situation under control, they were reportedly attacked by inmates.More than 100 prison officers and inmates were injured in the violence. Among them, seven prison officers and 17 inmates were killed, according to reports.Meanwhile, the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have launched investigations into the incident.Police Media Division stated that investigations commenced after facts relating to the incident were reported to the Negombo Magistrate's Court.The Department of Prisons also said that around 700 inmates have been transferred to the Agunakolapelessa, Dumbara, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kuruwita prisons as a security measure.The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of a committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the violent incident and submit a report.According to the Government Information Department, the committee, appointed by the Cabinet yesterday, is chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Priyantha Fernando.The other members of the committee are retired Additional Solicitor General and President's Counsel Milinda Gunathilaka and President's Counsel Mohan Weerakoon.The committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough inquiry into all aspects of the incident, identifying its causes, recommending necessary action, and proposing measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring.Meanwhile, post-mortem examinations on those who died in the clashes are scheduled to be conducted today.Relatives have also been given an opportunity to identify the deceased inmates.Negombo Hospital said photographs of the deceased have been displayed at the hospital to facilitate the identification process by family members today.