The government has appointed a Committee of Inquiry to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the unrest at the Negombo Prison on July 5 and 6 and report on the circumstances that led to the incident.
The committee was appointed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The three-member committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Priyantha Fernando. Its members include, Additional Solicitor General and President's Counsel Milinda Gunatilake and President's Counsel Mohan Weerakoon.
Senior Assistant Secretary to the President K.L.D. Asela has been appointed Secretary and Convener of the Committee of Inquiry, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
Meanwhile, another prison inmate injured in the clash at the Negombo Prison succumbed to his injuries this morning while receiving treatment at the Negombo Hospital.
Accordingly, the death toll from the prison violence has risen to 27. More than 50 others are also receiving treatment at the hospital.
Police stated that the fatalities now include seven prison officers and twenty inmates.
