Around 700 inmates have been transferred from the Negombo Prison to the Agunukolapelessa, Bogambara, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kuruwita prisons following the deadly unrest, the Department of Prisons said.

The transfers were carried out as part of efforts to restore order and strengthen security at the prison after the violence.

The Department noted that security has been tightened at the Negombo Prison premises while investigations into the incident are continuing.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the violent clashes within the Negombo Prison rose to 26, according to the Minister of Justice, Harshana Nanayakkara.

The Justice Minister noted that the deceased include seven prison officers and 19 inmates.

He added that 23 prison officers and 54 inmates are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Minister Nanayakkara also said that CCTV systems and a body scanner at the prison were completely destroyed during the unrest.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said that disrupting prison operations appeared to be the primary objective of inmates involved in the violent clash at the Negombo Prison.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara today visited the Negombo Prison in the aftermath of the violent clashes within the premises.

Minister Harshana Nanayakkara also expressed deep shock and sorrow over the violent clash at the Negombo Prison, stating he accepts responsibility for the incident as it occurred within an institution under his purview.

Speaking to media, the Justice Minister said the unrest has now been brought under control, but stressed that the loss of any life could not be justified and steps must be taken to prevent a recurrence.