The Commissioner General of Prisons has appointed a special investigation team to inquire into the clash that broke out within the Negombo Prison yesterday (05), according to the Prisons Spokesperson.

Two individuals died and around 35 injured inmates were admitted to the Negombo Hospital, following the clash between two groups of inmates within the Negombo Prison yesterday.

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

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.

Meanwhile a group of female inmates at the Negombo Prison staged a rooftop protest following the clash between two groups of inmates.

Shortly afterwards, male inmates had also climbed onto the prison roof and launched a separate protest.

Subsequently, 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.

Meanwhile, a total of four inmates were injured after part of the roof at the Negombo Prison collapsed during the protest, hospital sources said.

Part of the roof collapsed while the inmates were on top of the building, resulting in injuries to four prisoners.

The injured inmates were admitted to the Negombo Hospital for treatment.