Negombo Prison death toll rises to 26; probe committee appointed

The death toll from the violent clashes at Negombo Prison has risen to 26, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara announced on Sunday.

According to the Minister, the victims include 19 inmates and seven prison officers.

The announcement came as the Cabinet approved the appointment of a three-member committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

The committee will examine the circumstances that led to the violence, recommend appropriate action, and propose measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Retired Supreme Court Judge Priyantha Fernando has been appointed to chair the committee. The other members are retired Additional Solicitor General and President’s Counsel Milinda Gunatilleke, and President’s Counsel Mohan Weerakoon.

The committee is expected to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the government