Opposition members of Parliament staged a protest by wearing black armbands at the commencement of the parliamentary session this morning (08).
The protest was held to demand that the government accept responsibility for the deaths of 27 people following the recent clash at the Negombo Prison, according to opposition MPs.
The MPs entered Parliament wearing black bands in a show of protest over the incident.
A total of 27 individuals including seven prison officers died in the clashes while over 100 sustained injuries.
Meanwhile, the government 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.
