The bodies of the prison officers who were killed during the clash at the Negombo Prison were brought to the Welikada Prison this morning (08) in a funeral procession.

Following the final rites and tributes paid to the deceased officers, their remains are expected to be handed over to their respective families.

Seven officers attached to the Prison Special Tactical Unit were killed during a violent clash that erupted inside the Negombo Prison on Monday (06).

The officers were reportedly killed after being subjected to brutal attacks by inmates.

The incident occurred after prison authorities attempted to distribute food and refreshments to inmates on Monday morning, following the restoration of order after a tense situation that had developed inside the prison on Sunday.

During the distribution process, a clash broke out among inmates. A prison officer who attempted to intervene was attacked with stones and other objects.

The Chief Jailor, who had recently been appointed to the Pallansena Prison and was present at the scene to help bring the situation under control, was also reportedly attacked by inmates.

He was rescued by fellow prison officers, but officers from the Prison Emergency Assault Tactical Force who entered the area to restore order were subjected to severe attacks.

Prison sources said that some officers were attacked with large stones thrown at their heads.

The clash resulted in the deaths of 27 people, while more than 100 others were injured and admitted to hospitals.