Security tightened as investigations continue into Negombo Prison unrest

A minor tense situation was reported today (8) as well at the Negombo Prison, where a violent clash between two groups of inmates had recently occurred, the police said.According to Ada Derana reporter, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of the Negombo Division, Bimal Perera, intervened to bring the situation under control, following which the inmates were returned to their respective cells.As a result, security around the prison premises was strengthened this morning (08), Ada Derana reporter said.Meanwhile, investigators have revealed that a repeater-type firearm that was in the possession of Negombo Prison officers during the prison unrest has gone missing. Intelligence officers have also recovered a 9mm magazine and 10 rounds of ammunition from outside the prison. The Negombo Magistrate also visited the prison premises at around 3.15 p.m. yesterday (07) to conduct an on-site inspection into the incident in the prison. The Magistrate arrived at the prison under heavy security provided by the Police Special Task Force (STF), due to the continued detention of a group of inmates within the prison.During the inspection, the Magistrate examined the prison gates, locations where inmates and prison officers were killed, areas where shots were fired, the prison armoury and the T-56 rifle obtained by inmates.However, only part of the inspection was completed due to the continued detention of a group of inmates in the prison. The remaining inspection will be carried out after the prisoners are removed from the premises, according to Ada Derana reporter.Officials also revealed that the Negombo Prison was severely overcrowded at the time of the unrest, with 63% of the inmates reportedly being drug addicts.Meanwhile, relatives of inmates gathered outside the Negombo Prison and the Negombo District General Hospital today, where those injured in the clash have been admitted, seeking information about their family members who were affected by the incident.A total of eight prison officers and 20 inmates have died in the clash between two groups of inmates at the Negombo Prison and the attack they carried out on unarmed prison officers.Over 100 have been injured, while a large number of inmates have now been transferred to other prisons.