Opposition seeks urgent debate on Negombo Prison clashes

Opposition Members of Parliament have submitted a letter to the Speaker requesting an urgent adjournment debate to draw Parliament's attention to the clashes that erupted at Negombo Prison.

The letter has been signed by several Opposition MPs, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Quoting the Hansard Report of November 30, 2020 (Volume 280, Issue 07), the motion referred to remarks made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a prison riot that year.

"We all know that those who are remanded and imprisoned are under the custody of the State. They could be remand prisoners, they could be convicts. They are under the custody of the State. Therefore, the primary responsibility for the safety of the lives of the prisoners and detainees who are in State custody lies with the Government," the motion said.

Referring to the recent violence at Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6, the Opposition said it had been reported that 26 people, including prison officers and inmates, had died, while more than 100 others were injured.

"The full responsibility for the reported deaths and injuries falls upon the Government. Considering the gravity and urgency of the matter, we request that an urgent adjournment debate be granted under Standing Order 19(1) to bring this issue to the immediate attention of Parliament," the motion said.