A drug trafficker identified as Suresh, who is said to have close links to an underworld figure known as “Booru Moona” has orchestrated the violent clash between two groups of inmates at the Negombo Prison today (05) which resulted in two prisoners dead, police stated.

Police said the violence was triggered by an alleged dispute over the exposure of a drug trafficking operation within the prison.

According to the Negombo General Hospital, 28 injured inmates remain under medical treatment, while two critically wounded prisoners have been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital for specialized care.

Negombo Prison, which houses both remand prisoners and short-term convicts, accommodates nearly 1,800 inmates. Police said the clash erupted between two rival inmate groups before rapidly escalating into widespread violence.

During the unrest, rioting inmates allegedly forced open high-security cells and assaulted prisoners being held in those units. Police also alleged that another group of inmates broke into the prison dispensary and consumed excessive quantities of painkillers in an apparent attempt to become intoxicated.

The unrest subsequently spread beyond the initial clash, with female inmates climbing onto the prison roof to stage a protest. Police said the demonstration was held in support of the groups involved in the confrontation.

Outside the prison, relatives of inmates gathered and protested, accusing authorities of failing to provide information on the condition of those inside. Police later facilitated visits for a group of relatives to see inmates receiving treatment at the Negombo General Hospital.

Following the incident, police officers from Negombo and surrounding stations, together with the Police Special Task Force (STF) and riot control units, were deployed to the prison to restore order and strengthen security. 

Authorities said security personnel remain stationed inside and around the prison as investigations into the incident continue.