Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has held the government responsible for the deadly violence at Negombo Prison, saying the incident which has claimed at least 25 lives could have been prevented.
In a special statement issued on Monday, Premadasa said the loss of life and the injuries sustained resulted from the collapse and inefficiency of the prison administration.
He recalled that the current President, while serving in the opposition, had previously said the government should be held responsible if deaths occurred inside prisons, and argued that the same principle must now apply to the present administration.
Premadasa further claimed that the government's promised system change had failed, saying the Negombo Prison incident exposed shortcomings in governance, law and order, and prison management.
He questioned whether the government was capable of maintaining law and order and ensuring a humane prison administration, adding that the public deserved answers.
The Opposition Leader also called for an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident, saying this should not be left to a committee appointed to produce a report favourable to the government.
He further urged the government to set aside what he described as arrogance and to focus instead on addressing the country's pressing issues, including national security and prison management.
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