A major clash at the Negombo Prison was a planned operation driven by deep-seated rivalries between underworld figures and drug gangs, Parliament was told yesterday.
Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, addressing the House, revealed that the violence specifically targeted an inmate who had tipped off security authorities about illicit drugs inside the facility.
During the targeted unrest, which broke out on 5 July, rioting prisoners systematically destroyed internal security infrastructure, including the prison's CCTV cameras and the scanning machines used to detect contraband.
The initial clashes left 35 people injured and resulted in the deaths of two prisoners. Although guards managed to bring the situation under control over the weekend, tensions flared again on Monday.
Minister Nanayakkara detailed how prisoners attacked two guards, leading to fatal injuries when other officers attempted a rescue.
The rioters managed to break through iron doors to escape their immediate holding area, prompting security forces to open fire to ensure public safety and regain control.
Investigations are now underway to determine how firearms were smuggled into the hands of the inmates.
Expressing deep regret over the loss of life, the Minister stated that the government fully understands the tragedy and accepts responsibility for the incident.
He rejected opposition claims of government inaction, confirming that 734 prisoners have already been transferred to other facilities to defuse the situation, while security measures across all national prisons have been heavily fortified.
A special committee, chaired by Justice Priyantha Fernando, has been appointed to conduct a thorough investigation, and the Prisons Department has formally lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The Minister highlighted severe systemic challenges contributing to the crisis, noting that the country's prisons are critically overcrowded, holding 27,000 inmates despite only being designed for 10,000. He blamed previous administrations for failing to address the capacity crisis early on.
The overcrowding is further exacerbated by lengthy judicial delays caused by a massive backlog at the Government Analyst’s Department.
Suspects routinely spend months in remand waiting for laboratory reports. Minister Nanayakkara explained that the department was inherited with 118 vacancies, though 78 positions have recently been filled to expedite the process.
Compounding the issue is a severe staffing shortage within the prison system itself, driven by low recruitment interest among young people.
The government is currently reviewing a proposal to extend the service periods of active prison officers to manage the personnel deficit.
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