Deadly Gang Clash Inside Sri Lanka Prison Leaves 23 Dead, More Than 100 Injured

A violent clash between rival drug gangs inside Sri Lanka’s overcrowded Negombo Prison has left at least 23 people dead, including six prison guards, and injured more than 100 others. Officials described the incident as the country’s deadliest prison riot in recent years.

The fighting broke out on Sunday evening and continued into Monday morning, with victims suffering gunshot wounds, cuts, and severe injuries. Those wounded were taken to Negombo Hospital, where officials said more than 100 inmates and prison staff received medical treatment, while critically injured individuals were transferred to Colombo National Hospital.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara expressed shock and grief over the violence and said authorities were working to separate rival groups inside the prison. Officials are investigating the cause of the clash and reviewing security measures at the facility.