Prisons Commissioner denies prior intelligence on Negombo Prison unrest

The Commissioner General of Prisons has stated that no prior intelligence was received regarding the recent unrest at Negombo Prison, adding that officers had been deployed to prevent inmate disturbances and managed to reduce the scale of damage. Speaking at the post- Cabinet media briefing today (07), he explained that by Sunday evening (05) the situation had been contained, inmates returned to their cells, and food provided. However, on the following morning (06), a court day, inmates were found to have consumed drugs, leading to intoxication and clashes. He noted that officers risked their lives to control the situation, despite inmates being in a deranged state due to drug use, with even female inmates affected. Also addressing the media briefing, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed that several investigations are already underway into the incident. He said a three‑member committee comprising a retired Supreme Court judge, an officer from the Attorney General’s Department, and a senior lawyer has been appointed. In addition, probes are being conducted separately by Negombo Police, the Colombo Crime Investigation Division, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the Prisons Department itself. “The full truth of the incident will be revealed once all reports are submitted,” the Minister said, underscoring the government’s commitment to accountability in the aftermath of the violence. (Newswire)