The Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deadly violence at the Negombo Prison, saying the government must be held accountable for the loss of life.
Speaking to reporters, Opposition Leader Premadasa said the deaths and injuries resulting from the unrest pointed to a breakdown in prison administration and institutional inefficiency.
He said the current administration should take responsibility for the incident, noting that the President had previously maintained, while in opposition, that governments should be held accountable for deaths occurring inside prisons.
Premadasa also said the government had come to power promising systemic change, but argued that the incident at the Negombo Prison highlighted the continued failure of the existing system. He questioned the government's ability to maintain law and order and ensure effective prison administration.
Opposition Leader Premadasa further said the inability to uphold a humane prison management system was a matter of serious concern and urged the government to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident, noting that the public was closely monitoring developments.
