Prison officers used the minimum force necessary to prevent a breach and restore order at the Negombo Prison following renewed clashes this morning (06), the Prison Media Spokesperson, Commissioner of Prisons, A.C. Gajanayake noted.

The Media spokesperson noted that authorities are planning to transfer a number of inmates from the Negombo Prison to other correctional facilities following the deadly unrest.

Speaking to reporters, Gajanayake said the latest violence broke out this morning after a clash erupted between two groups of inmates. Prison officers who intervened to stop the fighting were allegedly attacked and chased towards the prison's main entrance, he said.

Some inmates also attempted to break through the prison's main gate, prompting officers to use the minimum force, according to Gajanayake.

He said the confrontation began while prison officers were distributing breakfast to inmates, following an altercation between rival groups in the male ward of the prison.

Several prison officers and inmates were injured in the violence and admitted to hospital. Gajanayake also confirmed that fatalities had been reported among both prison officers and inmates, but did not provide an updated death toll.

Although tensions remained inside the prison, authorities had regained control of the main entrance and largely contained the situation, he said. Additional security personnel have been deployed to the facility.

Gajanayake said the violence was confined to the male section of the prison and stemmed from a dispute involving rival groups linked to organised crime and drug-related activities. He said the female section was not directly involved, despite a separate protest by several female inmates.

Meanwhile, appealing to relatives of inmates, Gajanayake urged them to remain calm, stating prison authorities were taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of those in custody.

Negombo Prison currently houses approximately 2,400 inmates, he added.