The bodies of seven prison officers who were killed during the violent clash at the Negombo Prison were brought to the Welikada Prison this morning (08) in a funeral procession.
A special tribute ceremony was held at the Welikada Prison premises to honour the deceased officers before their remains are handed over to their respective families for final rites.
The officers, all attached to the Prison Special Tactical Unit, were killed during a violent confrontation that broke out inside the Negombo Prison on Monday (06).
According to prison sources, the officers were subjected to brutal attacks by inmates while attempting to restore order during the tense situation inside the facility.
The incident reportedly occurred after prison authorities began distributing food and refreshments to inmates following the restoration of control after unrest that had developed inside the prison on Sunday.
During the distribution process, a clash broke out among inmates, during which a prison officer who attempted to intervene was attacked with stones and other objects.
The Chief Jailor, who had recently been appointed to the Pallansena Prison and was present at the location to assist in controlling the situation, was also reportedly attacked by inmates.
He was rescued by fellow prison officers, but members of the Prison Emergency Assault Tactical Force who entered the area to bring the situation under control faced severe attacks.
Prison sources said some officers were attacked with large stones thrown at their heads, resulting in the deaths of seven officers.
The clash at the Negombo Prison claimed the lives of 27 people, while more than 100 others were injured and admitted to hospitals.
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