Negombo Prison renewed unrest: Death toll climbs to eight, 50 injured

The death toll from renewed unrest at Negombo Prison this morning has risen to eight, while at least 50 others have been reported injured, according to police.

Accordingly, nearly 50 persons, mostly security force personnel, were injured and admitted to Negombo Hospital.

Steps are being taken to transfer the seriously injured individuals to the National Hospital in Colombo, police said.

A tense situation was once again reported at Negombo Prison this morning (06).

Although the situation had been brought under control by this morning following yesterday’s incidents, unrest has reportedly resurfaced at the prison.

A clash had initially broken out between two groups of inmates at Negombo Prison at around 1.00 p.m. yesterday.

Police stated that the confrontation occurred between a group of remand prisoners and a group of convicted inmates serving sentences.

Two inmates died in yesterday's clash, while 38 others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at hospital.