At least 25 individuals, including five prison officers and 20 inmates have been confirmed to have died following this morning’s (06) violent clash within the Negombo Prison, according to the Director of Negombo General Hospital, Consultant Dr. Pushpa Gamlath.

Nearly 100 persons have also sustained injuries in the incident and admitted to the Negombo General Hospital. Eight of the seriously injured were later transferred to the Colombo National Hospital for further treatment.

Tensions flared again inside the prison later in the morning when inmates reportedly attempted to force their way out through the prison's main entrance. Police, assisted by the Police Special Task Force (STF) were deployed to bring the situation under control.

Ada Derana correspondents at the scene reported hearing several gunshots from inside the prison as security personnel worked to contain the unrest.

The violence, which escalated at around 10:00 a.m., prompted a large-scale security response. Several prison officers were injured during the operation and were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

Security forces subsequently entered the prison compound to restore order.

The Sri Lanka Air Force also deployed two drones to monitor the situation from the air and dispatched a Bell 412 helicopter to the area, according to Air Force officials.

Additional military personnel have been deployed to reinforce security around the prison as authorities continue efforts to maintain control of the situation.